Direct Help
Restoring Dignity. Rebuilding Lives. Renewing Hope.
For over 40 years, Shanthimalai Trust has been a lifeline for poor and marginalized communities in and around Tiruvannamalai. The Direct Help Program (formerly known as the Poor and Needy Program) is at the heart of our mission — providing immediate, compassionate, and practical support to those facing hardship. We believe that every person deserves dignity, care, and the opportunity to live with hope.
What We Do
Medical assistance and healthcare support
Nutritious food and grocery distribution
Clothing and essential household items
Livelihood assistance for struggling families
Monthly pension support for elderly and disabled persons
Emergency relief during floods, pandemics, and disasters
Monthly Pension Scheme – A Lifeline Since 1998
Since 1998, Shanthimalai Trust has been running a monthly pension scheme to support elderly and differently-abled individuals with no stable source of income.
Every month, 620 beneficiaries receive between ₹300–₹500, helping them meet basic needs such as food, medicines, and daily essentials.
For many elders, this support means more than financial aid — it restores dignity, independence, and reminds families of their responsibility to care for their loved ones.
Emergency Response & Crisis Relief
When disasters strike, we act quickly.
Whether during floods, public health emergencies, or sudden family crises, the Direct Help Program delivers food kits, medical supplies, and essential relief materials to affected families. Our timely response ensures that vulnerable communities are not left alone in moments of crisis.








Many people still live in dire circumstances, in severe poverty on a daily basis. Far away from their loved ones, they need quick, direct and loving care.
During Covid hundreds of food packages were prepared for distribution to poor people who had no access to food supplies at the time.
Hundreds of people gratefully received the help provided in very difficult times. All staff joined in the activities, even the teachers of our schools.
Food distribution at Shanthimalai Trust. Thanks to thoughtful organisation long queues could be avoided.
Helpers from Germany and Managing Trustee, Mrs. Viji, were very "hands-on" for a long time. Here, they deliver medical goods to a hospital.
A professional oxygen machine was donated by the Red Cross Germany. The happy receivers in the SRM Clinic put it to use swiftly to save lives.
A vaccination camp was established giving hundreds of shots per week. Major issue was to convince villagers that vaccination did no harm to their health.
Rembemer lockdown? Shanthimalai offered village education during that time to keep children busy learning and minimize the Covid learning gap. Parents were happy.
