As part of our verification process, Ray of Hope has confirmed that Suresh and Gunaseelan are receiving ComCare Assistance of the following: $800 cash, $90 utilities assistance, and $62.50 for S&CC from March to May 2019. SSO is reviewing their application for extension of the ComCare assistance.

They are also receiving the following Community assistance: Monthly Medical Services, Home care services for physiotherapy twice a week, and Counselling.

*Update*

Ray of Hope has decided to raise $9,600 to support Suresh and Gunaseelan. This will help them offset 6 months of their HDB loan arrears instalments ($1,600 x 6 months). Their HDB payments are more urgent at the moment and payments will be made directly to HDB.

The Struggle

Suresh lives with his younger brother, Gunaseelan, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Their Father passed away many years ago and their mother, 10 years ago. Following the mother’s passing, his extended family gained custody of his younger brother. The younger brother’s health and condition was worsening with the extended family member and soon a custody battle commenced. Finally, the client regained custody of his brother. One of his aunts helped them to buy a flat by providing $25,000 from her CPF but eventually left Singapore as she had a disagreement with the client; she wanted to give up the younger brother to a home. Client and his brother are on their own now, with no family support and their personal savings being nearly depleted.

Give Hope – Help Needed

Suresh lost his job in the Media during the custody battle with his family. He has been unable to get a stable job that allows him time to be with his brother. His brother requires two caregivers as instructed by his doctors. They are only able to afford one domestic helper, hence Suresh spends a lot of his time caring for his brother. They have accumulated arrears for HDB ($35,650), SP ($1221), and Town Council fees ($229). The cost of the domestic helper is $550 a month (excluding the levy) and that is the one payment Suresh tries to clear every month.

He currently takes on odd jobs setting up events and can only bring home up to $400 a month on average. They have tried to rent out a room in their HDB flat, but potential tenants are uncomfortable with his younger brother’s condition.

Suresh is awaiting his PDVL license (which he will get next year) which will allow him to work as a Private Hire driver (Grab or Go-jek), allowing him to earn money with the flexibility to care of his brother at the same time. Gunaseelan will also start at a Day Care next year. In the meantime, they are struggling to make ends meet.