ABDF

• Project Completed Update! (See below)
• Location: Valachenai, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
• Recipients:1 family
• Objective:Leak-proof roof
• Final cost:$190 US

Mrs. Sinnathampi stands in front of her house.

ABDF was shown this house by the Valachenai Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) at the same time we saw the house that has become ABDF's Valachenai SVP Roof Project #1. In fact, this home is right next to that home. It is the residence of Mr. Kanthapar Sinnathampi, his wife Vairaththai, and their 16 year old son, Vijikaran. Mr. Sinnathampi has a series of health problems which keep him in and out of hospital (he was in hospital when ABDF visited the site), leaving Mrs. Sinnathampi to keep things at home in line. Vijikaran is currently in 10th grade at a local public school.

Mrs. Sinnathampi and her son, Vijikaran

The house has essentially the same problems as the house next door, the site of our other project. It is constructed of tree branches and cadjan leaves directly onto the sand. Thus our solution is the same as well; we will provide a raised cement foundation for the family living quarters (which is only one room), proper 2x4 wall supports, and a tin roof.

Curious neighbors: Our arrival at the Sinnathampi household attracted quite a crowd as foreigners had never visited the neighborhood before.

Since we are doing both projects at the same time, using the same contractor (a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society who is doing the work at cost), and the fact that the two projects are right next to each other means that ABDF will be able to save a little money by buying the materials for both at the same time and transporting it all together. Every bit helps!

ABDF is happy to be helping this family out, and is thankful to the Valachchenai chapter of St. Vincent de Paul for bringing these two projects to our attention. We greatly admire their dedication to the poorest of the poor in the District, and applaud SVP’s dedication to volunteerism.

Project Completed Update - August 23, 2009

Despite some delays, Mrs. Sinnathampi and her son now have a new roof over their heads. The work was completed on Saturday, the 23rd of August, 2009. All that remains is for her and some neighbors to take the cadjan walls off the old house and put them on the new; which will be any day now. The one-room shelter is the same size as her previous home, but due to the tin roof, will be rain-proof during the rainy season. The concrete posts will give the structure stability and allow, some time in the future, for a cement floor and walls to be built.

Two views of Mrs. Sinnathampi’s new roof.

ABDF wishes to thank the Valachchenai chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for bringing this project to our attention, and with their helping in getting it done.