Slum Service Centre

Slum Service Centre

(Reg. No. 339/81) Today, as more than half of the world’s population lives in cities and urban areas, and as the rate is expected to reach 60% by 2030, slum upgrading is one of the main challenges of the developing world. In this prevailing scenario, Late, Fr. Sebastian Arackal has founded the Slum Service Centre (SSC) to promote the upgrading of slums under the geographical area of Trichur district, in 1981.

SSC has a headquarters of multi-storied building including 2 seminar halls and well furnished rooms. SSC, secular in nature, embodies an able team for its administration and sustain implementation and progress in slum areas. Its organogram is well-fledged of an Exe. Director with a governing body of 9 members. There are 17 conveners and animators, who actively involves in doing free services for the upliftment. Moreover, its serving area is now spreads up to Malappuram Dst. inspite of Thrissur. Regional Centres situate closely to our Rehabilitation Villages at Kottekadu, Kunnamkulam, Marathakara, Chittilappilly and Poonkunnam.

Besides, the constant inspiration and conscientization programmes conducted by SSC make them capable to live in the present. By organizing various programmes like formation of SHGs, Anti-alcoholic activities, Housing projects like Navajeevan , Self Employment Schemes, Moral and Cultural activities, Eco- friendly movements, Relief activities, Educational activities- SSC could upgrade the slums. Self- Help Groups play a vital role in uplifting the slum dwellers, especially women through various Income Generative Programmes. It provided vocational trainings to 5426 persons in different courses like beautician, tailoring, candle making, jewellery making, flower making, dry flower arrangement, umbrella making, computer training etc.SSC envisages integral development through constant empowerment and cooperation by organizing 353 SHGs that reach up to 7060 families. Also make avail loans with a minimal interest through KSBCDC. The govt. and semi-govt. projects availed from IGSSS, NABARD, Govt. departments, Panchayats, Blocks, Corporation, Banks, are successfully and duly completed. Moreover, it runs a hostel for employed ladies in the heart of Trichur city.

 Aiming the improved and healthy living conditions, of those who are homeless, SSC established three Model Villages namely MAR KUNDUKULAM SMARAKAGRAMAM in Kottekadu, SNEHAGRAMAM in Ollur and CHEMMANNUR DEVASSY SMARAKA GRAMAM in Chittilappilly. This is the first and outstanding rehabilitative method Kerala has ever seen. 200 families got rehabilitated through these Model Villages. This can be considered as one of the greatest achievements. Besides, SSC promoted the living status of each family by providing sanitary facilities as well as changing thatched huts to houses roofed with tiles. Guiding and monitoring of these Villages and families are implemented by respected nuns and voluntary workers.

SSC takes careful notes in implementing varied programmes by considering children as an integral part of the society. Focusing their personality development and overall development, conducting training and sponsorship programmes. 16 SHGs are created and successfully working exclusively for children by children.

The SSC has achieved great amount of experience in slums upgrading and the delivery of services to the poor. It has strong and well furnished paraphernalia in promoting sustainable urban development and providing adequate shelter for all.