To overcome poverty in rural areas may often appear to be hopeless. However, the misery in urban slums is still more despairing. Too often, people do not find any work. Furthermore, the social structures of family and community which are still supporting individuals in the villages, have completely vanished. People are loosing their economic, social and cultural basis as well as their self-respect. Without any fresh perspective, they become beggars. Women choose or are forced into prostitution. Children and young people, for various reasons coming to the cities, are often and quickly abused by criminals, drug dealers and brothel owners. Even corrupt and brutal policemen ill-treat the helpless youngsters.  

Andheri-Hilfe is supporting development projects in urban slums. Their main objective is to arrive at an economic and social status where people are feeling again as human beings and where they regain their self-respect. In the first place, we support women to come together and create self-help groups. They build social networks, fight for their social acceptance and for their sound economic livelihood as well as for solid chances for their children.

Particularly, street-children need our assistance. In special centres they do find a safe shelter. We support them, on an individual basis, to return to their families, to be accepted in school, or we help them to find a job.