Residents: Present

Below are some of our current residents.

Sitalakshmi

Biography

Several years ago Sitalakshmi argued with her adopted daughter and left home. She got on a train without a ticket and travelled around for a long time in this way, eating and sleeping where she could. She was eventually picked up, unconscious on the roadside, but has no idea where her home was. She collects saris and hides them in her bedclothes, she says they are to give to her daughter.

Palanniamal

Biography

She left her husband after he badly injured her many years ago. She worked as a sweeper in a temple and stayed with her brother for some time. She is a very sweet helpful lady, and works as a cleaner in the local Global Pathways School. She buys things for Jacob’s with the money she earns at the school.

Rangammal

Biography

Her husband and two children died of a viral illness within two weeks, leaving her alone. Needing to provide for herself she went to work as a housemaid until she was too frail to work and had to leave. She was told about Jacob’s and walked many miles to find us. Rangammal is a very dignified lady and loves to dress in nice saris. She calls Viji and Robert her daughter and son.

Valliamal and Kammalamal

Biography

Valliamal and Kammalamal are mother and daughter. They lived in a palm leaf hut in the backwaters with Kammala’s brother who has serious learning difficulties. Kammala’s husband, the only wage earner, died of a snake bite five years ago leaving the family destitute. Kammala is partially disabled but cares for her mother who has osteoporosis and is unable to walk. Her brother went into a Home and Valliamal and Kammalamal were referred to Jacob’s.

Kasu

Biography

Kasu had a serious accident at work in a carpentry workshop. His employer didn’t help him and he wasn’t able to afford medical treatment. His injured legs became infected, one eventually healed but the other had to be amputated. He came to Jacob’s as he found it difficult to look after himself. We bought him carpentry tools and he now uses his skills at Jacob’s. He is a quiet man and loves to be useful.

Palaniappan

Biography

Palaniappan was born into an extremely poor family. He never married, and has no relatives. Once he became too frail to work as a labourer he was referred to Jacob’s. He is a very helpful man and is always willing to run errands and help in any way he can.