Melony Venkatas has opened her heart and home to the homeless.
“I can never turn a person away who has nowhere to go and no food to eat. I help where I can until that person can get on their feet,” said Melony.
She said from a young age her parents taught her to give to those in need.
“That has always been my life. I could not stand to see anyone going hungry.
“I was born like this, with a soft heart. It was instilled in me at a young age and it can never be taken away from me,” said Melony.
The mother of four said it has not been easy for her family having to share their space with others in need but they have adapted.
“My husband has been very supportive of my work and always helps where he can.
“I’m a stay-at-home mom and some of the things I do for the homeless and less fortune is to cook for them and sometimes it means buying groceries from our pocket.
“My children had to learn to share their space with strangers and at first it was not easy but they have adapted to it and understand giving is caring,” said Melony.
She said she registered her NGO in 2014 but has not had funding for it to run smoothly.
She has not allowed that to be a factor, though.
She said before she even registered the NGO she was already helping people.
“People would come knocking at my door asking for help. It’s people from all walks of life.They just find me. I’m not sure if people send them to me or if they just find me, but all I know is when they come here they need my help and have nowhere to go and we are happy to help,” she said.
“Most of the people we have helped come back to say thank you and even visit. I appreciate knowing that they have not forgotten about me and that they think of me, “said Melony.
Her biggest wish is to see the foundation help more homeless people and make a difference.
“I started the foundation to help others and that is my joy. I will always do it and I have seen what it means to others who have lost hope or have no family.
“People I have helped who managed to get jobs have come back and given back to the foundation with donations and time. They are also helping others in need and that is always what I want to leave people with – a spirit of giving,” said Melony.
To contact her, email angellinkfoundation@gmail.com
