Home of Hope: Caring for the Forgotten

India, home to 1.45 billion people, is a land of extraordinary culture and diversity, but also of deep social and economic inequality. In West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas, one of the poorest regions in the country, daily life is a struggle for many. Poverty, hunger, and a lack of healthcare and education leave countless individuals without the means to survive.

Amid this hardship, the Calcutta Home of Hope-Ashabari offers shelter and dignity to the most vulnerable: the homeless, destitute, and mentally challenged living on the streets, found most of the time in dying conditions.

Ashabari faces significant challenges as it cares for some of the most vulnerable people in one of India’s poorest regions. Extreme poverty, severe medical conditions, and untreated psychological illnesses require constant resources, while the Home’s small team struggles to meet the daily demands of food, healthcare, sanitation, and rescue operations. Limited funding makes it difficult to cover essential medications, hospitalizations, and basic living materials, even as the number of people in desperate need continues to grow.

Ashabari provides food, shelter, and medical care for around 130 rescued individuals, many of whom suffer from psychological illnesses, physical disabilities, or severe untreated wounds. For the most critical cases, the Home arranges hospitalization within its financial means.

Everyday support includes:

• Nutritious meals and clean clothing.
• Medication and wound care supplies.
• Sanitation essentials like soap, detergents, and disinfectants.
• Bedsheets, blankets, and basic living materials.
• Ambulance upkeep for rescue and emergency care.
• Salaries for the very small team of dedicated caregivers

More than a shelter, Ashabari provides compassionate care, patience, and dignity, helping residents improve their health, recover memories, and, in some cases, reconnect with estranged families.

Ashabari has been serving the destitute for over 25 years, founded by Mr. Joseph Das and Mrs. Lily Das, a trained nurse. Together with 8 staff and a volunteer, they manage the Home and care for resident’s full-time. The home is not a temporary initiative, but an ongoing mission of human service rooted in love and compassion.

Currently, about 130 residents live at Ashabari. Many show marked improvements thanks to regular medication and care. Several have regained lost memory and have even been reunited with loved ones. For others, Ashabari is their permanent home and source of dignity, safety, and compassion.

Ashabari is more than a refuge; it is a lifeline. For those abandoned to the streets, it provides food, healing, and dignity. By supporting this project, Defi For Good ensures that the forgotten are remembered, cared for, and given the chance to live with respect.