Our commitment helps twice: The economic crisis, which brought the lockdown with it, hits especially hard day laborers, whose help we need for the rebuilding.

The planned work includes repairing holes in the roof and installing windows. The project will be led by Gokul, a qualified social worker who has successfully planned, led and implemented social projects for Paropakaram in Kuttanad.

The Thomas family is a forgotten important link in the local community. For years, they have supported people in need in the region who have fallen through India's few social safety nets. The son's social work has also become a vital support for people in the region - not to mention the family's bread-winning income.

Moving would be the easiest thing to do, but it's not that simple. Culturally imposed restrictions leave only financially unattainable options, not to mention that moving away would be much more costly than the intended repair.

The 3-room cottage of the Thomas family was never a luxury resort, but it served the purpose. It is located on a slope, a bit off the nearest road, not far from an incinerator. Electricity is partially available, but there is no water supply. The asbestos-contaminated roof lies on dilapidated beams and already has so many holes that it rains in at all corners of the house. There was never enough money for windows, and in their place they were covered with plastic. During the monsoon season, no place in the house remains dry.

The fungal infestation as well as the constant dampness has a strong impact on the family's health, which is already battered.

The roof is repaired in the places where it has holes. We hire a professional roofer of the region for this. The roof ceiling will be covered inside with a net by volunteers of the region, so that the asbestos-contaminated dust falls less into the living space. The windows will be delivered at the end, depending on the remaining money, and will be installed by a professional.

Since only one of the rooms has a light bulb, if there is enough money we will equip the other two rooms with light.

Finally, the house is repainted to minimize mold. The painting is financially supported and carried out by the municipality. More would be lacking by far: The roof as well as the supporting beams would have to be replaced completely since a long time and a water connection would have to be laid. This is in the distant future and remains a project of the Thomas family. For the time being, we are taking care that the family can continue to live in a house.