IVS Nepal Earthquake Relief Efforts
**Note, we changed our name in 2021 to be more reflective of our mission. Institute for Village Studies started in partnership with Western Washington University in 1999, and we look forward to carrying on this work as InPlace - Ecocultural Learning Institute.
Dear Friends, As you know, the earthquake in Nepal last month killed more than 8,000 people, while destroying the homes and livelihood of countless others.
The Institute has very strong ties to villages in the Rasuwa and Langtang regions of northern Nepal. These remote areas were devastated by the earthquake, and because of their remoteness, are getting little, if any, help from large agencies.
Many homes were destroyed and people are sleeping in rudimentary shelters in the open fields. It is the main farming season and they are facing the difficult choice between planting their crops or trying to salvage temporary shelters out of their demolished houses. If they do not plant their crops now they will not have food supplies and income for next year, but if they do not fix their homes, they will be exposed to the heavy monsoon rains and the diseases they bring. The early rains have already begun and the situation will dramatically worsen by the end of June.
We are working with the Rural Tourism and Environmental Education Society (RTEES), a local nonprofit based in Rasuwa that has worked in the region for many years. Our immediate efforts have focused on providing food, clothes, and medicine. The next urgent need is to raise funds for sturdy tents and waterproof sleeping pads to make it through the monsoon season. We have also made a commitment to support the long-term rebuilding process in Rasuwa, once the initial needs have been met.
We have started collecting donations with an initial goal of $15,000, and so far, have raised $11,868.00. 100% of each dollar we receive goes directly to communities affected by the earthquake. We do not deduct administrative or organizational fees. We are also a 501(c)3 organization and your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
These communities have had a huge impact on our lives and have humbled us with their kindness and compassion. As is often the case, those will the least amount of resources, show the greatest amount of generosity.
Thank you for your support, we greatly appreciate it. Frank, Kelly, Charlie and the IVS community