Impoverished neighborhoods and support for people in need

Report from the January 2026 Trip to the Foothills of the Himalayas, India

In January 2026, Michael and Alexandra once again traveled to Northern India on behalf of FriendCircle WorldHelp. In the middle of winter and due to a very short stay, the journey led first to Delhi, followed by a domestic flight further north to Chandigarh. From there, they continued directly into the foothills of the Himalayas.

The days on site were tightly scheduled: organizing purchases, preparing materials, and then carrying out the distributions – supported by long-standing local friends and partners. In the weeks before their arrival, the region had been dominated by persistent fog and overcast skies, with hardly any sunlight. During the team’s stay, however, the sun appeared at times, making daytime conditions somewhat more bearable – even though it remained cold overall, with temperatures close to freezing at night and often below ten degrees during the day. Even in simple accommodations, there was little escape from the cold.

Many people live in makeshift shelters made of tarpaulins and basic materials. Firewood is scarce and usually used only for cooking – there is often no real way to keep warm. The already difficult living conditions are further intensified by the winter temperatures. During their stay, Michael and Alexandra repeatedly found themselves asking the same question: How do people endure this cold under such circumstances?

On site, wool blankets, fruit, hygiene packages, as well as school supplies and school bags were purchased and distributed to families, especially to children living below the poverty line. In addition, numerous hand-knitted hats and scarves – lovingly made by dedicated volunteers – were also handed out.

Particularly moving were the moments of distribution: people waited patiently, often for long periods, standing calmly and respectfully in line. When they finally received blankets, clothing, or school materials, deep gratitude was visible in their faces. Many walked away with bright smiles, some with shining eyes and quiet words of thanks – moments that reflected hope and humanity despite the harshness of their circumstances.

The cold was also constantly present for the team. Even in the simple hotel where they stayed, there was no heating. Warm chai and occasional hot meals offered small moments of warmth and helped them get through the days under these conditions.

On the long journey back, the many impressions and encounters continued to accompany the team. Even after returning home, the images and thoughts remained – along with the hope that their efforts had brought at least some relief to the people they met.