Living on the streets is not synonymous with an easy life, and it is definitely less so when you are older and suffer from psychological problems. 62 years old and abandoned by her children three months ago, Elumalai A/P Munusamy has been wandering on the streets since then. In fact, Elumalai has not had an easy life – born with a malformed right arm and suffering from chronic asthma, she was also diagnosed as suffering from hallucinations after one of her daughters passed away three years ago.

Muruga and Elumalai's 'home'

Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) came to know about Elumalai after a tip-off from a member of Kechara, who spotted her sleeping in front of a shop in Bangsar. After running our usual checks, we discovered that the area is Elumalai’s regular haunt – she hangs out there every night waiting for her son Muruga to finish his shift in a nearby restaurant. The oldest of his seven siblings, Muruga has worked there for the last 10 years and like his mother, Muruga is also homeless.

According to Muruga, Elumalai’s medical conditions made it difficult for her other children to care for her. Thus, despite facing his own difficulties, Muruga took on the responsibility of his mother’s care. Both of them spend their days in the KTM train station, and Elumalai follows her son to work at night.

Elumalai and Muruga arriving at Psychiatric Homecare Services

Over time, Elumalai’s condition has worsened and as a result, she has run away three times. After KSK helped Muruga to find her, he grew more open to our approach. Recently however, Muruga did not report to work for 10 consecutive days – his worry over losing his mother again led him to watch over her 24 hours a day. Muruga approached us saying he wanted to care for his mother, but could not miss work forever. He was unsure of how he could continue like this.

KSK brought up the idea of registering Elumalai in a psychiatric home. Although initially hesitant (Muruga was concerned that the caretaker would mistreat his mother), Muruga later realised that by registering his mother in a home, she would receive shelter and treatment, and he could save his job as well.

Muruga is interviewed for his mother's admission into the home

On Tuesday, KSK brought mother and son to Psychiatric Homecare Services in Jalan Ampang for her admission. To Muruga and KSK’s joy, Elumalai was accepted to reside in the home…and there was more good news! A generous individual offered to sponsor Elumalai’s cost of living and medication during her stay in the homecare! Muruga was very thankful to KSK for having taken the time to help him and his mother. He said he did not know how he could repay the kindness shown to both of them, but will always pray for KSK.

Although KSK has helped one more person off the streets, our assistance to this family is not over…we will also be discussing and helping Muruga to improve his current condition!

Elumalai in her new home, where she will receive shelter and treatment