Srinagar, Jan 20: The Kashmir Youth Courage (KYC) Foundation has emerged as a beacon of hope for homeless individuals and beggars across the Kashmir Valley who had long been abandoned. Many of these vulnerable people were forced to live under the open sky, in derelict vehicles, or in unsafe locations.
Since its inception in May 2024, the foundation, led by Musadiq Bashir, has been working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, and medical care to those in need. The 21-member team, under Bashir’s leadership, has been dedicated to improving the lives of roadside beggars and the homeless, offering them a chance at a better life.
Initially, the foundation focused on improving hygiene and encouraging individuals to return to their homes. However, they soon realized that many of them would fall back into the same dire circumstances. To tackle this, the team decided to rent a shelter home, providing proper accommodation where individuals could stay under constant care and receive essential services such as medical treatment and regular check-ups.
“We recently booked an ambulance, which we expect to arrive soon. This will help us rescue more homeless individuals,” Musadiq Bashir told RK.
Currently, the KYC Foundation operates a shelter home in South Kashmir, which houses nine people.
Over the past few months, the foundation has successfully reunited around 15 individuals with their families after providing them with the necessary support. Musadiq highlighted that most of the homeless individuals they assist face family disputes and property issues, leaving them without support.
“We take care of their hygiene, medical needs, and overall well-being. Our team of 21 dedicated members is working hard to make a difference,” Musadiq added.
The foundation operates from a private building, which costs approximately ₹80,000 per month, covering rent, food, and other essential expenses. In just eight months, the team has handled over 45 cases, providing crucial assistance to many individuals in need.
Musadiq expressed his gratitude to the people of Kashmir for their generous contributions. “The community has been incredibly supportive, and the center is running thanks to their contributions. We aim to help even more people in the future,” he said.