[Picture: Ojash Shrestha w/ his sponsored child and her families]
As soon as I got news of the earthquake, my heart started pulling me to Nepal. I tried to arrange a flight to Kathmandu only to be told that the airport was closed and no flights could go into the area. After meetings with the Ganga Ghar board, we put together a plan and a team to execute it, but my heart and mind were still in Nepal. The call for duty was unbearable. I spoke with my wife, who was understandably concerned about me traveling to a place with so many casualties, and she said “Help as many children and families as you can, and just come back healthy.” So last night, I booked a flight, and I’ll be heading to Nepal on Thursday to join our team.
With me, I’m bringing a more developed game plan for action.
Our Goal: We want to support 500 families by giving them shelter, food, and water. Our team has estimated that we can do this for an average cost of $50 per family, so we need to raise at least $25,000. These 500 families will be located in the Dhading and Gorkha regions, as they were the hardest hit and are remote areas where limited aid supplies and relief teams have reached.
Cost per Family Breakdown: By leveraging the connections we have in the less affected regions, we’re able to secure goods to transport to Dhading and Gorkha at reasonable prices even in the midst of shortages. We estimate to contribute the following in the relief package we’ll distribute to each family:
$20 for a tent + $5 for couple blankets + $15 for food and water + $5 for transportation + $5 for bank fees/misc. expenses = $50 per family
The Plan: Why, What, and How?
Why?
As we stated in our last update, Ganga Ghar is a small organization that was built on relationships. I know that there are bigger groups out there with vast resources, and they’re doing exemplary work. But Ganga Ghar is different. We are small and flexible and able to move quickly. We can focus on helping people that might get overlooked by the larger groups because they’re in remote, difficult-to-access villages. We can work exclusively in the regions where we know our presence will make the greatest impact: in Dhading and Gorkha. Ganga Ghar also has a deep grassroots network in Nepal, and we can leverage that network to help those who need it most.
What?
Our team in the United States will be spearheading fundraising efforts, and as quickly as funds come in, they’ll be utilized for tents, food, and water in Nepal. Any additional funds will be donated to local organizations that are providing medical support. During this time families are in need of basic supplies, and I believe that Ganga Ghar has the capability to offer immediate relief to 500 families.
How?
Ganga Ghar’s friends, family, staff, and volunteers are amazing. The support from those who have been touched by our efforts at some point has been a source of hope and joy in this difficult time. We plan to mobilize our network of supporters and use our team on the ground to help transport goods and deliver them in person to families in need. If we find they are in need of more than we are equipped to provide, we will work to connect them with those who can offer the support they require. By working together, we can truly maximize our resources to make a significant impact for those affected by this disaster.
Join the Ganga Ghar Team
You can play a part in this crucial mission by making a financial contribution to our efforts. Your $100 donation will provide food, water, and a warm place to sleep for a family AND their neighbors. Let’s band together to show the families in Nepal that our hearts and prayers are with them, and that they are not alone in their time of need. You can make a tax deductible contribution online. Thank you for your support and your donations.