After having lost his boats and fishing equipment during the tsunami, Ramesh was forced to turn to an alternative profession. After a few odd jobs, he chanced upon carpentry in 2009. “Fishing is the main occupation here and requires a lot of carpentry work. There was also no other carpenter here. So I decided to start my own shop.”

Ramesh bought a piece of land with his savings, but he needed more money to build a shed. “I approached HOPE foundation for their zero interest loans and got Rs 25,000 loan ($453). They also provided me with free tools.”

Once the shed was built, Ramesh hired three men, Silambarasan, Kalaiyarasan and Soundaraj. “We build and mend boats; we also make furniture like cupboards, beds, chair, etc. It is hard work, but the income is steady.” “Running my own business has given me confidence and security too.” Ramesh plans to expand in the near future.

Now that you’ve read his story, watch it come alive here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyGy9Bha–Y&feature=youtu.be

Thank you all for your support of HOPE Worldwide programming. Your contributions gave Ramesh a new lease on life thanks to the HOPE Foundation, an Indian affiliate.

Hurricane Sandy has been the most devastating storm to hit the Northeast in recent history.  HOPE worldwide volunteers are on the ground helping neighbors regain hope during a desperate time  A total of  587 HOPE worldwide volunteers have  stepped up to help neighbors in their hurricane ravaged communities in New Jersey and New York.  Some are serving despite the fact that they do not have electricity, shelter and sometimes food.  However, needs are being met within the church family.  The spirit of love and cooperation is being demonstrated as volunteers of all ages pitch in to do whatever is necessary for their friends, family and communities.

Ocean County, New Jersey volunteers are working in the hardest hit shore areas.  Teams are providing food for the elderly and homeless, gutting water damaged houses, manning call centers and managing and training volunteers.  Horacio Piccininno, HOPE worldwide Central Jersey Chapter Director, reports that due to gas shortages many volunteers are reaching out to help in their local communities.  Volunteers are removing fallen trees or giving those without heat a place to stay.

“What a sobering day delivering clothes to some 80 or so homeless at the Lakewood Tent City in New Jersey.  Removing some 80% of the possessions of a 72-year-old woman after her home flooded.  It puts life into perspective and teaches you to hold onto to things loosely and keep your family and friends close,” stated James Campbell, Evangelist of the New Jersey Region, Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ.

In Staten Island, New York, volunteers are busy distributing food and water to hurricane victims as well as training and managing other local volunteers.  Twenty-three people from this small community died due to the storm.  The loss of life and property has been staggering.  John Beene, Evangelist of the Staten Island Region of the New York City Church of Christ, told HOPE worldwide, “It really helped me to be out helping people.  It’s hard to watch my community go through so much.  However it renewed my spirit to be out serving people.  Thanks for giving us a good outlet to help our community.”

We are grateful for the heroic volunteers who are serving in the wake of this disaster.  Some of our volunteers are serving despite the fact that they do not have electricity, shelter and sometimes food.  The spirit of love and cooperation is being demonstrated as volunteers of all ages pitch in to do whatever is necessary for their friends, family and communities.