Blanket success!

Last night we conducted a Blanket Nightwalk with about 30 helpful sets of hands. We hired 2 rickshaws to roll the blankets along beside us, while we walked, distributing to those who were sleeping with no cover.

Though at times we had a small group following us and begging, we feel wholeheartedly that this experience was much more efficient and successful.

It is a slightly strange experience to cover a man sleeping on concrete with only a bag or maybe a sheet to cover him. I guess I expected that when they awoke, they would pour gratitude. But instead I received blank stares and somewhat cold response. Sometimes the person jumped up and begged for another. Most of the time they simply stirred and went back to sleep with no acknowledgement whatsoever.

Despite the small part of me that wished for thanks, I feel invisible donations are better. In this way the nature of hte act remains pure and the need for recognition is denied. This is better.

Thanks again to everyone that donated and to those that helped distribute! Blanket Success!

Blanket BlowOut!

On Saturday, January 10, we took 200 blankets to the Outdoor Shelter in Jama Masjid, with hopes of calmly walking through the area, speaking to people, determining if they were in need of a blanket, and quietly distributing them.

This was the plan

This is not quite what happened!

We probably should have realized that this was impossible, especially having 2 foreigners in the crowd to draw attention. What actually happened was that as soon as we were noticed, a mob of about 70 people surrounded us and frantically scrambled for blankets! There was no way for us to determine who was in need or not, and for fear of being trampled (at least that was my fear!) we quickly let people take them and returned to the shelter to think of a new tactic.

People followed us back to the shelter and before we knew it the whole room and staircase up to the 2nd floor, plus (I imagine) the entire lane leading to the building, was FULL of people all wanting a free blanket. We tried to get everyone to sit, but with more and more people pressing up the stairs, the mood changed from organization to urgency and soon we had chaos inside.

Unfortunately we had to ask everyone to leave as shopkeepers in the lane were worried about business and the landlord was concerned about the building.

So attempt one was not too successful.

However, we have a new plan. After talking to some people we've decided that we will be invisible donors, walking through various parts of the city at night, seeing who is sleeping without a blanket and quietly laying it over them. A sort of Blanket Focused Nightwalk if you will.

When we decide the date, we will let you know and would be delighted if you'd like to help. It will take many arms to carry 160 blankets around the city!

Winter cold brings us together

Every Monday to Saturday, our Jama Masjid Day Care Centre is open for street children to have a safe, warm, residence for the day. In the 6 months since this Day Care Centre opened, we have had more and more children joining and regularly attending the programs. On a slow day we'll have about 20 children come, on a busy day, up to 50 children of all ages fill our small Centre.

These children have become close to our hearts. We have learned their stories and heard their struggles and triumphs. We have seen them change habits, partake in chores, dance along with movies, and get excited about learning to read and write.

As winter set in, we became worried about the well being of these 50 children, having to sleep on the street through the cold nights. With this in mind, we sent out a request for donations to buy blankets and have received an overwhelming response! In just 2 short days, we have received enough money to buy 100 blankets to distribute as needed!

In the next day we will buy and deliver the blankets, enough for the children and possibly for any family members as well.

Thank you to all who supported us financially and in kind. Our rejoices continue thanks to your endless support and encouragement!

Annual Play, a success!

Throughout November Jamghat, in collaboration with Khoj FOUNDATION ( http://www.khojfoundation.com/), successfully staged 10 performances of the play "Humein Naaz Hai"!

Once per year Jamghat creates a professional stage play and performs it in such places as India Habitat Centre, Shri Ram Centre and various universities including Delhi University and Lady Shri Ram College. The topic of this play is about various aspects of homelessness and is used as a means to create awareness and generate funds for Jamghat.

"Humein Naaz Hai", written and directed by Lokesh Jain, received rave reviews in the Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/11/21/stories/2008112150630300.htm) and extremely positive audience responses at each performance. This resulted in many donations and several wonderful new volunteers!

We are so proud of and grateful for our 35 volunteer actors! These actors gave endless hours of rehearsal time and showed immense, passionate commitment to our organization. That is the best gift of all!

Thank you to everyone that attended, to companies and organizations that supported us, to Lokesh Jain for his incredible work and coaching, and to the amazing, dedicated actors... our achievements are dedicated solely to you!

Warm Regards,

Jamghat Team

Continuing to Grow

Hello Jamghat Supporters! We have a flurry of activity happening in Jamghat: new volunteers, a website in the works, and here, as you can see, a new blog site! Thank you for following us through our changes and evolution. As we get settled into the new blog, we will continue to keep you posted on all our events and achievements, so keep checking back! Updates to come, until then, go outside and find a child to laugh with!