IMPACT STORIES

Hum Hain... Ummeed-e-Kashmir, 2016

United Way's Disaster Response initiative helps disaster stricken people in such a way that their suffering is alleviated, and at the same time, they are given the support that they need so that they can get back on their feet. The aim is to create resilient and self-sufficient communities, which can easily overcome the consequences of natural disasters. The Hum Hain... Ummeed-e-Kashmir program is a fundraiser program, which sees a collaboration between United Way as the philanthropy partner and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd; Event & Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) and The Film & Television Producers GUILD of India Ltd. working towards betterment of the victims of floods in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and those of Cyclone Hud Hud.

Funds for the disaster response initiative were raised through ticketed charity concerts. The funds raised have currently helped complete the disaster response activities in Assam. The rehabilitation activities were carried out in the Lakhimpur district, which has almost 245 households with a population of nearly 1600 people. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities included the formation of village disaster management committees (VDMC) through active participation from the communities, with a view to increasing disaster preparedness. Village hazard mapping and micro development plans have also been completed, alongside training on search and rescue, first aid, early warning and coordination at the time of relief distribution that has been given to the task force formed through the VDMC. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) training has been given to school children from classes 1 to 10. Additionally, first aid and search & rescue training sessions have been conducted in these schools as part of school safety program. Other rehabilitation work has included 16 Permanent shelters with toilets and Tara pumps on elevated platforms, constructed in 4 villages of the Lakhimpur district - Borgoya, Tiokia, Pashcim Kharkati and Kolaguri. 

Following the floods that devastated and unhinged the lives of many leaving many casualties and loss of homes, property and livelihoods in its wake, this project has strengthened village level institutions and built on their resilience through training and community based activities.

Partners

Corporate Partners:
Adani Wilmar 
Amir Khan Productions 
Fact Set Systems 
Gionee
Hindustan Unilever
Johnson & Johnson 
OLX 
PVR Nest 
Tata Sons 
Vaidrishi Laboratorie 
Vicco Products 
Vini

NGO Partners:
Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS)