When girls and young women are trafficked into the sex trade, they lose their homes, family, security, and critical support systems. Once they age out of the sex industry, they often have nowhere to go. Faced with old age, few marketable skills, increased vulnerability, stigma, poverty, and homelessness, many elderly survivors resort to begging on the roadside or repeating the cycle of exploitation. At Asha Rising, we step in to support this highly vulnerable and often overlooked demographic by providing permanent housing, medical care, food, classes, outings, gardening courses, counseling, and refuge.  Our efforts allow us to offer a refuge and interrupt the cycle of sexual exploitation.

We started Asha Rising by renting out a tiny space across from a brothel in Kolkata's red light district and letting community members know we were offering free housing and food to elderly survivors. But many community members found it hard to believe our mission, as they were accustomed to only transactional/exploitative relationships. Over time--and due to consistent community outreach and word of mouth--Asha Rising gradually became home to more than 20 residents (our oldest is 91). We are now located in a three story building that our residents call home. With your contribution, we can continue to support one of the most vulnerable and neglected demographics.