Association for Rural Mass India

ARM conducts de-addiction awareness, counselling, and treatment programmes in various communities. These programmes target schools, colleges, self-help groups, sex worker communities, auto drivers, and truck drivers, customizing interventions to reduce drug and alcohol abuse. Awareness sessions are held in separate settings for boys and girls in schools to encourage open discussions. Additionally, awareness initiatives extend to urban and rural areas, covering Kallakurichi, Villupuram, and North Chennai. ARM's dedicated efforts have resulted in counselling for 156 individuals struggling with addiction, with 522 successfully overcoming this challenge. Furthermore, ARM actively promotes tobacco control through advocacy efforts and successfully conducted 18 programmes to reduce tobacco consumption in the Chennai district during the financial period of 2022-2023.

ARM initiated the "Corona Prevention and Control Program" in collaboration with the Greater Chennai Corporation. This project focuses on Perambur and Sharma Nagar UPHCs in Zone IV, encompassing a population of 66,000. With a dedicated team of 52 staff members, ARM is actively raising awareness about essential preventive measures, including proper handwashing, mask-wearing, and maintaining social distancing. The programme includes regular fever camps and medical check-ups, with referrals for COVID-19 testing. So far, 950 individuals have been referred, and more than 478 have been tested, leading to the identification and successful treatment of 73 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

ARM's "Housing and Sanitation Project" is dedicated to eradicating poverty housing in Tamilnadu. The initiative extends assistance to construct simple, affordable houses for impoverished individuals, irrespective of caste, creed, class, religion, or any other distinctions. In the flood-affected area of Kargil Vetri Nagar in Thiruvottiyur, severely impacted by the 2015 floods, ARM has successfully built 10 new houses, 150 sanitation units, and refurbished 25 homes. This endeavour received support from Habitat for Humanity India, funded by EICHER Company through their CSR program. As a result, all 185 families in the area now enjoy improved living conditions and a higher quality of life.

ARM operates a shelter home for homeless individuals in Zone 2 Mathur Corporation of Chennai, a project that commenced in June 2013. This facility accommodates 30 homeless men and is closely monitored by Zone II officials of the Corporation of Chennai. The shelter offers comprehensive support, including counselling, personal hygiene, healthcare, food, nutrition, and assistance in finding employment opportunities. Residents also enjoy recreational amenities like television, newspapers, magazines, and play materials. The shelter is staffed with a Project Coordinator, a Counsellor, a caretaker cum cook, and two security guards. The services provided have garnered satisfaction from both beneficiaries and local officials. Various festivals are celebrated at the centre with support from Government officials, leaders, well-wishers, industrialists, and politicians. Currently, the shelter accommodates 35 residents, striving to enhance their quality of life.

ARM's "Care and Support Centre for PLHIV" (People Living with HIV) was established in Port Town, Chennai, in June 2013, with support from Alliance India through the Tamilnadu Network of Positive People (TNP+). ARM CSC operates throughout North Chennai, actively registering PLHIVs and empowering them. In the fiscal year 2016-2017, a total of 3102 PLHIVs were registered in collaboration with the ART centre at Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital. The ARM team, in conjunction with Government hospital officials, delivers essential support and services to the PLHIV community in their designated target area, ensuring their well-being and empowerment.