Tag: Homeless Shelter

Human Interest

Street Providence Trust Opens 15th Shelter Home in Kankavli, Sindhudurg

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A Haven for 50 Homeless Men with Mental Disabilities

Kankavli, Sindhudurg | June 2025:
In a significant step towards expanding its mission of serving the most vulnerable, Street Providence Trust has inaugurated its 15th shelter home, located in Kankavli, a town in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district. The new facility is dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and reintegration of 50 homeless men suffering from mental disabilities.

Known for its compassionate work across Goa and neighboring states, Street Providence Trust continues to provide critical services to the mentally ill and destitute—individuals often neglected by society and left to suffer on the streets.

🧠 A Lifeline for the Mentally Ill

The newly launched home in Kankavli is equipped to offer:

  • Safe and hygienic accommodation
  • Nutritious meals
  • Basic medical care and psychiatric support
  • Rehabilitation programs aimed at reintegration

With a team of trained caregivers, medical professionals, and volunteers, the facility ensures that residents receive dignified, structured care that helps them regain a sense of identity and stability.

🤝 A Growing Network of Compassion

This shelter is the 15th facility set up by Street Providence Trust, which has consistently worked toward addressing the intersection of homelessness, mental health, and poverty. Their model blends humanitarian outreach with structured recovery programs, enabling many to re-enter society or reconnect with their families.

“There is a deep, unmet need in our society to care for the mentally ill poor who are often invisible. With each shelter we open, we try to bring hope where it was once lost,” said Donald Fernandes, founder of Street Providence Trust.

📍 Why Kankavli?

Kankavli, situated in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, borders Goa and has witnessed increasing numbers of mentally challenged individuals without support systems. The strategic location of the shelter will serve not only local residents but also those from surrounding rural and coastal regions who have little or no access to mental health care.

❤️ Community Support & Volunteerism

Street Providence’s work thrives on public goodwill and donations, both material and monetary. The organization continues to appeal to local communities for support, volunteers, and collaboration, as the shelter moves from inauguration to full capacity.

Those interested in contributing can reach out via the trust’s official website or social media platforms.

📢 About Street Providence Trust

Street Providence is a Goa-based registered charity focused on mental health, homelessness, and hunger relief. Since its inception, it has become a beacon of hope for hundreds, building shelters, providing free food and medication, and working alongside government and non-governmental agencies.

With the opening of the Kankavli shelter, the Trust moves closer to its vision of a compassionate India where no mentally ill person is left to suffer on the streets.

Social

Ethernet Xpress Foundation Supports Jeevan Anand Aashram with Blanket Distribution Drive

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Parra, Mapusa – June 2025
In a meaningful show of corporate social responsibility, Ethernet Xpress Foundation extended warmth and support to the residents of Jeevan Anand Aashram, Parra, by distributing blankets to the destitute individuals sheltered at the facility. The event highlighted the vital role of community support in uplifting the most vulnerable sections of society and drew attention to the challenges faced by welfare institutions in Goa.

The initiative was led by Mr. Sagar Govekar, Managing Director of Ethernet Xpress, who praised the ongoing humanitarian work of the Aashram.

“The efforts of Jeevan Anand Aashram to provide shelter for destitutes is noble and should be appreciated. People in society must come forward to support the Aashram’s mission,” said Mr. Govekar while addressing attendees at the function held in Parra, Mapusa.

A Call for Public Support and Solidarity

Speaking passionately, Mr. Govekar emphasized the Aashram’s current challenges, especially concerning the shortage of space and land. The institution operates out of a rented facility, which limits its ability to accommodate more individuals in need.

“If the Aashram is struggling due to lack of space or land, people from all walks of life should come forward to help. Collective community support can make a real difference for the helpless and homeless individuals staying here,” he added.

About Jeevan Anand Aashram

Established as a shelter for the destitute and homeless, Jeevan Anand Aashram has become a safe haven for many who have nowhere else to go. But more than just offering temporary relief, the Aashram’s vision is transformative.

Poonam Burye, a trustee of the Aashram, spoke about its mission:

“Jeevan Anand is not a dumping ground for the helpless. Our goal is to support individuals so they can become self-sufficient and regain dignity in society. We work hard to help them stand on their own feet.”

Further insights into the Aashram’s operations were shared by Prof. Santosh Patkar, a longtime supporter and volunteer. He acknowledged the financial challenges of maintaining the shelter and the staff’s continuous efforts to raise funds for food, care, and rehabilitation activities.

“To sustain our operations, we frequently organize fundraising events like dramas and stage performances. But our greatest need remains proper infrastructure and a permanent space.”

A Collaborative Effort for a Greater Cause

The blanket distribution event was attended by key members from both the Aashram and Ethernet Xpress Foundation, including:

  • Sandesh Burye, supporter and member of Jeevan Anand Aashram
  • Prasad Angane, Aashram staff
  • Mervyn Fernandes, Marketing Head, Ethernet Xpress
  • Sanatkumar Phadte and Samuel Monteiro from the Ethernet Xpress marketing team

Their presence underscored the spirit of collaboration and the power of public-private partnerships in addressing grassroots social issues.

Looking Ahead: From Shelter to Sustainability

Jeevan Anand Aashram continues to strive toward a future where every destitute person it serves is not just sheltered, but empowered. Support from organisations like Ethernet Xpress Foundation not only provides immediate relief but also validates the Aashram’s deeper mission.

As Mr. Govekar concluded, “The real impact lies not just in giving, but in inspiring others to give — with empathy, with dignity, and with hope.”