Business Details
28 Years
experience
Empowering Disadvantaged Children in India and Ecuador Through Compassion
Help The Helpless was founded in 1998 by Father Antony Savarimuthu, an Indian Catholic priest dedicated to aiding impoverished and disabled children. The organization began with the establishment of St. Mary's School and Orphanage in Kumbakonam, India, which initially served 300 children. Recognizing the need for sustainable support, Father Altier co-founded the U.S.-based nonprofit to expand resources and impact.Today, the organization operates in India and Ecuador, providing education, food, shelter, and spiritual guidance to thousands of children and families. With a 100% volunteer staff and minimal operating costs, 93-94% of donations directly fund programs. The organization maintains transparency through annual audits and IRS filings, ensuring donor trust and compliance with financial standards.
Services
Child Sponsorship
Family Sponsorship
Emergency Aid
Educational Programs
Medical Support
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 93-94% of donations directly fund programs with minimal operating costs
- 100% volunteer staff ensures maximum resource allocation to beneficiaries
- Holistic support combining physical, educational, and spiritual development
- Transparent financial practices with annual audits and IRS compliance
- Decades of proven impact in India and expanding initiatives in Ecuador
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
- Charity Navigator Top Star Rating
What people say
Life-changing programs
Transparent finances
Dedicated staff
Effective outreach
Spiritual support
Services
Child Sponsorship
Our Child Sponsorship program provides $20/month-funded education, food, shelter, and spiritual guidance to children in India and Ecuador. Sponsors enable access to formal schooling, vocational training, and daily necessities. This initiative breaks poverty cycles by creating self-sufficient adults through structured academic and moral development programs.
Family Sponsorship
Family Sponsorship delivers $37/month-funded monthly food baskets, hygiene products, and household essentials to Ecuadorian families. This program addresses malnutrition and basic needs gaps while fostering community stability. Beneficiaries receive ongoing support through partnerships with local missionary groups ensuring culturally appropriate aid distribution.
Emergency Medical Aid
Emergency Medical Aid funds urgent healthcare needs in India and Ecuador. Donations stock medical supplies, support clinic operations, and cover treatment costs for impoverished patients. This service prioritizes immediate life-saving interventions while building sustainable healthcare infrastructure through local partnerships.
Educational Infrastructure
Educational Infrastructure projects fund school facilities, teacher salaries, and learning materials. Initiatives include constructing classrooms, providing teacher training, and maintaining educational resources. These investments ensure long-term academic opportunities for disadvantaged children through both formal schooling and vocational programs.
Missionary Support
Missionary Support funds Catholic faith-based outreach programs in India and Ecuador. This includes chapel operations, religious education, and community spiritual development. The service integrates faith teachings with practical aid through daily masses, retreats, and sacramental programs for beneficiaries.
People
Father Robert Altier
President
Ordained in 1989, Father Altier co-founded Help The Helpless in 1998. He oversees U.S. operations while serving as associate pastor in Minnesota. With decades of pastoral experience, he maintains close ties to Indian and Ecuadorian programs.
I. Maria Selvam
Headmaster
Nephew of Father Antony, Maria Selvam manages St. Mary's School in India since 2018. He oversees educational programs, vocational training, and spiritual development for over 1,900 students while maintaining operational excellence.
Questions
How are donations allocated between India and Ecuador programs?
Donors specify geographic focus, with 93-94% of all contributions directly funding designated programs through transparent accounting.
Can sponsors communicate with their sponsored children?
Yes, sponsors receive regular updates and can exchange letters through our secure communication system.
What educational opportunities exist for sponsored children?
Students access elementary through college-level education including teacher training, nursing programs, and vocational courses.
How does the organization ensure program accountability?
Annual audits, IRS 990 filings, Charity Navigator ratings, and direct missionary oversight ensure complete financial and operational transparency.
What emergency aid programs are available?
Urgent needs funds support medical crises, natural disaster relief, and unexpected community hardships in both operating countries.
