Community organization appeals for help to South Asian families, businesses in NYC

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Chhaya Community Development Corporation, the advocacy organization for Indians, Indian-Americans and other South Asians located in Queens, has put out an urgent call for donations to help individuals and small businesses suffering as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

“Our communities are fighting for their lives while losing their livelihoods. All the while rent is due and children are going hungry,” Chhaya CDC said in an email appeal May 13.

Low-income South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers are at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization said.

“Every day we hear harrowing stories from our community members — families grieving the loss of loved ones, standing in food pantry lines for hours, and struggling to pay for basic necessities,” the press release said.

Chhaya has been helping the community members to access critical services as well as advocating for relief from government agencies, and delivering much-needed cash to households in dire straits.

“With the help of our partners, we have already provided cash assistance to over 200 individuals. Yet, hundreds more have reached out for our help,” the organization said.

“Through the Chhaya COVID-19 Relief Fund we aim to raise $50,000 to distribute to community members struggling to meet critical needs,” it said, adding, “Every dollar raised will go directly to someone in need. Please help us reach this goal by making a donation.”

The link provided on the Chhayacdc.org website, for the donation, shows that so far 12 donors have given $4,491.