COVID -19 2020 & 2021

Soon after the announcement of nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 in March 2020, Atchayam Trust has initiated several projects to support the homeless and destitute people in and around Erode city.

From 25th March to 3rd April, 2020 a total of 650 food packets were distributed to the people staying on the streets. 220 full ration kits were supplied to the needy. Apart from these, people are supported with 22,000 cups of kabasura kudineer, 3100 dress materials, 200 grocery kits, 40,000 medical kits as an extension of services done by our NGO, Atchayam Trust during the pandemic period.

We along with Erode City Corporation arranged a temporary shelter from 3rd April, 2020 to June 2020 at Government Middle School near Railway Junction in Erode for accommodating homeless people wandering in the streets and along the pavements. This shelter witnessed 87 persons with a male to female ratio of 85: 2 respectively. One among the two women is below 18 years young and the other woman with an infant child was sent to a caregiver home.

They are provided with food and shelter with utmost care and guidance to rehabilitate them into mainstream life after the lockdown is lifted. They are also supported with multiple use cloth masks, clothes, bedspreads, towels and toiletries. We organized medical camp along with the support of Erode city Corporation to check and improve the health condition of all the persons staying in the temporary shelter. People are trained for yoga and few basic physical exercises in the morning hours. Awareness about COVID, hand wash techniques, life skills values were imparted during the evening hours.

Through professionals, community counseling was organized for psychological imbalances, de-addiction of drugs and liquor. Sports activities were also organized to keep them physically and mentally fit. We also identified their talents through imparting basic skills and team building to help them look after themselves, for housekeeping, book reading, cooking, looking after hygiene and sanitation

During the camp, we carefully studied each individual and documented their profiles to identify their strengths and talents. Out of 87 individuals, we successfully facilitated job opportunities for 40 persons (46%), placing them in roles with an average monthly salary of ₹10,000. These placements also included free food and accommodation provided by the employers.

Many of the beneficiaries had previously struggled with substance abuse or were engaged in petty crimes such as pickpocketing. With structured intervention and consistent follow-up, we monitored their progress and continued to support them for three months after placement to ensure long-term stability.

We gratefully acknowledged the invaluable support of Vellalar Educational Institutions, CII–Young Indians Erode Chapter, Olirum Erodu Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Erode, whose collaboration made this transformation possible.

Over 33 volunteers from Atchayam trust has been actively rendering their service at the Erode district Covid-19 24*7 war room since May 17, 2021 .People can contact the centre for covid-19 emergency assistance and medical advice regarding symptoms, testing facilities and vaccination facilities. Victims of corona can contact the centre for assistance with home isolation and medical emergencies. It will be open for 24 hours where our volunteers worked in three shifts