| Ashiana
Manavi manages a transitional/safe
home called Ashiana for displaced South Asian women and their
children. Ashiana provides unrestricted and rent-free accommodation
to immigrant women who need time to get back on their feet.
By creating a culturally familiar environment where women
can share similar foods from the region, practice their religion
freely, or speak a familiar language, Ashiana tries to create
a safe space for South Asian immigrant battered women who
may otherwise feel extremely socially isolated.
Often the women that Manavi accommodates
at Ashiana are disproportionately disadvantaged owing to the
multiple oppressions they face as women and recent immigrants.
Therefore, they might need more guidance, resources and support
to gain independence and self-sufficiency in the U.S. Many
survivors who seek accommodation at Ashiana are not permitted
to work in the U.S. while their immigration paper work is
being processed, they therefore have no income. Some women
need to learn English and develop other adaptive skills. Many
need career counselling and advice in order to find jobs.
These survivors at Ashiana usually have no personal social
contacts who might offer them temporary accommodation or who
may help them find permanent housing.
The location of this home is kept
completely confidential to provide residents with security.
Ashiana can accommodate up to 10 individuals at any given
time. There are requirements that must be met prior to entering
Ashiana; these have been established to protect the safety
of all current and future residents.
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