Let's keep Madhubala's family off the streets

Want to join us in making a difference? Anna Sudha Community Kitchens is raising money for a family of THREE who have been living on the streets since 2020. 64yo Madhubala, 32yo Megan and their 9 yo pet dog, Maya and any donation will help make an impact in finding them a home. Thanks in advance for your contribution in making this cause successful.

How it started

Anna Sudha came in contact with Madhubala and her family on March 28th, when someone told her to reach out to us for free food. At that time they were living in a car since Jan'2023 and have been doing so off and on since early 2020. We couldn't bear to see their plight and immediately rehoused them in an extended-stay motel.

Slowly we learned their story...

Madhubala's husband and the only earning member of the family died in September 2019 from a sudden stroke. Madhubala has not been able to consistently hold a job because of her daughter's mental health. Although 32, she is more like a 7year old and has been in her mother's care since birth and homeschooled to some extent as a kid.

Their life savings dwindled quickly since they had always been renting in the US since they moved a lot due to the nature of the husband's work. And mom couldn't get back to the workforce since she couldn't leave her daughter for extended amounts of time. She has experience as a support teacher.

Madhu has tried everything desperately but did not get consistent help from anyone. Local shelters have a waitlist and they have received some help from a few organizations but mostly in terms of food and gift cards. The Gurudwara in Loudoun County helped them with fueling their car so they could stay warm during the winter and housed them in a hotel for a week when it was the coldest week in Jan. Other organizations only refer them out. So they had no choice but to take to the streets. Although they live in the car, none of them know how to drive and someone or the other has helped tow the car from one place to another.

They do get regular EBT (food) stamps, and the husband's pension of $350 and also have Medicaid, which supports them with their basic needs and medical but they are struggling to find a way to earn enough to rent a home.

Anna Sudha and its volunteers pulled forces together to get them rehabilitated with food, clothing and their stay since March 30th.

Anna Sudha also employed Madhubala part-time until she could find another full-time job. But on the first day itself, Madhu fainted while working and had to visit urgent care. She has been diagnosed with a liver condition and high BP. We at Anna Sudha know that Madhubala will not be able to hold any long-hour jobs given her health and her age and also the trauma of losing a loved one and immediately having to survive on the streets since 2019. She told us that many tried to help her by giving money but we all know money lasts only a few days. We believe that we need to give her consistent support so that they do not go back on the streets. We have been in daily contact with them and try our best to take care of their needs.

The only solution is to find cheap housing for them as soon as possible and raise at least 2 years' rent so they can focus on taking care of themselves and get physically and mentally strong. We plan to help Madhubala get back to driving again (her license has expired and she has no confidence in driving right now) and when they are ready, help them get an easy job that will help pay their utilities etc.

FYI, all your donations will be going to Anna Sudha Community Kitchens's bank account and will be responsible to pay their rent for the next 2 years and will provide updates from time to time.

Will you join hands with us so that our sisters don't go back on the streets? We also want to make sure all 3 can stay together as the dog has kept them safe on the streets and is their huge emotional support.