No work available, running short of food, the ration supply exhausted, the loan is not paid for months and now the savings of the family is fast finishing, the future is dark.

The domestic helpers around the country are facing this crisis due to coronavirus. Very few have been paid that too partially and many denied of their payment due to lockdown.

Reena Shiva Moon, 45, from Seminary hill locality, Nagpur used to work as domestic help in few houses to support her daughter’s schooling or education.

For the last three months, she is sitting at her home. All houses where she used to work has asked her not to come due to coronavirus pandemic. Her husband, working in an apartment as a security guard, has only received half of his salary last month.

The family is going through a tough time due to lack of finances and work; all their savings are gone. “The situation doesn’t look favourable in coming months too”, says Reena as none of her employers has called her back even after three months.

According to a survey conducted by the Domestic Workers Sector Skill Council (DWSSC) under the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship, 85% of domestic helpers did not receive payment during the lockdown. The survey also shows that many domestic helpers are still unable to get back to work and access wages.

Reena was at ease when she came to know that Caritas India will support through the provision of dry ration to them which will suffice for atleast one month. The team of Nagpur Multipurpose Social Service Society (NMSSS), a local partner of Caritas India assessed her situation and selected her under the Covid-19 Response project being implemented in Nagpur.

The project is supported by HCL Foundation, a not for-profit-organization actively engaged in the country to alleviate poverty and achieve inclusive growth and development. Operationalised in Nagpur, Pune, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and Jaipur cities of India, the project aims to improve access of health care and nutrition in the slums and vulnerable areas, which are highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reena was anxious to know when she will receive this food provisions. She asked the team, “Please give me some employment or help me to get back my job, I don’t like to depend on others for fulfilling my family’s needs, I want to do my work sincerely to make some money for my daughter’s education and house renovation as monsoon has come and water drips from the roof, please provide us plastic sheet or tarpaulin to cover the house ”.

The project team is working hard at the ground to support the needy with dry ration support and hygiene kits to help them survive in these difficult times. The assessment of the beneficiaries is almost over and within a few days, the distribution will start.