140 homeless people rescued, sheltered from rain

Navi Mumbai / Thane: The New Panvel-based NGO, SEAL, along with the local police of various jurisdictions, have successfully rescued a total of 140 homeless persons from the streets in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan and other adjoining areas in their mission tagged as #BeforeTheRains.
Talking to TOI, the founder of Social and Evangelical Association for Love (SEAL), Pastor K M Philip, said: "This is the first time that we have managed to rescue so many homeless people in one go with the help of police.Our four ambulances have been daily going to various parts to check those who may be in a hopeless situation, and therefore need help. Our target was to rescue at least 100, so we are happy to have helped 140."
Philip added: "In some areas like Ulhasnagar, Kalyan, it was sad to see ailing homeless people simply lying on the roadsides and footpaths, waiting to die. Hence, we again appeal to the goverment to help social workers and citizens to do this God's work." An effective helpline to rescue such homeless persons can also help. The #BeforeTheRains mission had been launched last month at SEAL Ashram in New Panvel, in the presence of senior cops of Panvel division, Navi Mumbai Police. Later, in June, Thane police also actively participated.
A senior Thane police officer said that their Thane chapter of pre-monsoon drive to help the destitutes was from June 10 to June 20. “It’s a timely medical assistance to the vulnerable sections of society, ensuring they receive the care they need,” said DCP Shivraj Patil of Thane police.
Patil added that through this collaboration with SEAL, both the Thane Police and the NGO aimed to enhance the support system for those in dire need of medical care. “Some destitute are severely ill or mentally unstable, are at high risk during the rainy season due to lack of shelter, medical care. With the help of cops we identify and rescue these individuals. Once stabilized, we will reconnect them with their families and those who cannot be reunited will receive long-term care and support at our facilities,” said Abraham Mathai, chief patron of SEAL. Mathai added that over the past 25 years, SEAL has also reunited several rescued homeless people by getting in touch with their original families.