Dear Friends of Hope,

Thank you for your response to our appeal regarding the extensive damage to the Hope Project caused by the recent flooding throughout Delhi. We also appreciate the beautiful turnout for Hope’s executive director, Samiur Rahman, during his U.S. tour. During the big flood in June, the Hope Project lost access to the four rooms in the lower floor, as well as most of the equipment and archives kept in them. The affected rooms were:
• the Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan Library, and all its books
• the computer room, and all its computers
• the vocational work room (and all its sewing machines and other equipment)
• the finance room (where all our records were kept)

Your emergency donations — as well as your emails, texts, energy, and supplies — lifted so many spirits!

The contaminated floodwaters engulfed the building, and filled the lower rooms to the ceiling with sewage, garbage, and debris. The residual foul smell from the putrid waters only further dampened spirits. Repairing and sanitizing these workspaces, replacing computers and other vital equipment, and hiring an engineer and architect to develop reconstruction plans, will come to an estimated cost of $55,000.

Thankfully, your donations, along with those raised in Europe, came to over $60,000. Over a four-month period, the lower floors underwent a weekly cleaning to remove all bacteria, and the stench has now lifted. Engineering and architectural designs are being drawn, and we are hoping for completion of all work within one year. All the computers and sewing machines have been replaced, and several classrooms are doing double duty to facilitate finance, vocational work, and a modest library space.

During Samiur’s two-week U.S visit, two goals were met: to meet and thank people in California who tirelessly support the project, and to introduce the Project to non-Sufi communities. Samiur and I spoke at these gatherings, and Samiur did a news interview in
Easton, Pennsylvania. For these events, we provided video and photos of every aspect of the Project. We are happy to say that the inspiration, enthusiasm, and general goodwill created an energy that was palpable to all present. We continue to bring new friends into
the Hope circle, supporters that contribute to our world community, and who bring with them a diversity and resilience that is essential to growth.

Thanks to all who hosted and supported our programs in California, including Pir Shabda Kahn and Ross Halleck Vineyards. In Easton, Pennsylvania, a heartfelt thank-you to Valley Om Yoga Studio, Stephani Murdoch and Tomias Hinchcliff, and the Tandoor Grill, which provided superb Indian cuisine. In all, the tour raised a surprising $15,000 — but more essential, the tour created a larger community of hundreds of people with expansive hearts.

The Hope Project has expanded beyond our original vision to serve the Basti Nizamuddin. After 47 years, we are experts in community development. We are now extending our services to nine additional districts where poverty is at levels seen in the Basti 47 years ago. This is a real accommodation provided by all of us who hold the vision of a world that comes together through compassion and lovingkindness.

Thank you,
Richard Cuadra

President of the Children’s Ashram Fund serving the Hope Project of New Delhi