Stronger Communities Through Collective Local Action
Community Resource Centre (CRC), Puthenvelikkara was established in the wake of the devastating 2018 floods to support one of Kerala’s worst-affected panchayats. Seed funding from the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), through the HDFC Parivarthan Programme, helped bring together a committed network of individuals and organizations. Initially focused on post-disaster rehabilitation, CRC has since expanded both its geographical reach and the communities it serves. As a not-for-profit collective, CRC continues to grow through the support of local and national collaborators, working together to build a healthy, climate-resilient Puthenvelikkara.
Immediately in the aftermath of the 2018 flood, CRC contributed to the first systematic effort to scientifically map the extent of this devastating disaster. Led by climate scientists and experts at Equinoct Community Sourced Modeling Solutions and with the field support of Civil Engineering undergraduates from SNMIMT college, Paravur, this exercise helped revise flood-based vulnerabilities for Puthenvelikkara. Today, CRC provides grassroots support for Equinoct’s unique impact-based community-led climate solutions based on real-time data and cutting-edge technologies.
The 2018 floods exposed a major gap in mental health support in Puthenvelikkara. In response, CRC partnered with the Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT), which offers professional, recovery-oriented care to marginalized groups. CRC now runs a free mental health clinic, operated by MHAT professionals twice a week. Identified through ASHA workers and local health officials, the clinic has registered 97 cases and supports over 57 clients as of May 2025. CRC is also developing employment programs to address the link between mental illness, poverty, and stigma, supporting long-term recovery and reintegration.
As the grassroots partner for the Community Resource Efficiency Hub (CREhub), developed under the global IEEE SmartVillage programme, CRC supports 25 women-led small enterprises involving approximately 100 women across over fourteen panchayats along the climate-vulnerable fringes of Kochi. CREhub provides infrastructure, transportation, branding, marketing, and capacity-building support, all built on off-grid solutions aimed at long-term energy and livelihood resilience.
We empower children and youth through localized, inclusive education programs. CRC supports digital literacy, after-school tutoring, and educational outreach for vulnerable families, helping students recover and grow after the 2018 floods.
In partnership with MHAT, CRC runs a free mental health clinic twice a week, supporting individuals affected by trauma, poverty, and stigma. We provide ongoing recovery-based care for over 57 clients through trained professionals.
CRC works on climate-smart solutions, including mapping flood vulnerabilities and promoting safe drinking water access. Using real-time data and community collaboration, we reduce climate risks and ensure healthier living conditions.
Community Resource Centre (CRC), Puthenvelikkara was established in the wake of the devastating 2018 floods to support one of Kerala’s worst-affected panchayats.
Elenthikkara, Chendamangalam, Puthenvelikara, Kerala
+012 345 67890
crcputhenvelikkara@gmail.com