By JD Herman
Covid-19 affects everyone and has significantly impacted many businesses and entities across Houston, including India House, one of the most beloved community support groups in the city. Despite the impact of the pandemic, India House has been able to adapt, allowing the organization to continue meeting the ever-shifting needs of the community. While some of their legacy programs have been paused, given the need for social distancing, many have been reimagined through the leadership of Col. Vipin Kumar and his team.
Founded with the desire to bring social services and Indian culture to Houstonians, India House quickly became a vital resource for neighborhoods in the Brays Oaks Management District. Diverse programming (urban youth programs, wellness/exercise programs, language classes), as well as much-needed services like medical assistance and their food distribution program have long provided a lifeline to those in most need.
While the pandemic has forced many of these programs online, India House has found great success with their health and fitness classes in particular. “Our most popular online class is yoga,” Col Kumar notes. “It is held 4 times a week, by an excellent trained yoga instructor, for a one-hour duration.” They estimate about 35 participants attend each yoga class – around 130 people a week. Meditation classes are popular as well, with roughly 45 people a week coming together in quiet solitude and community. Zumba and BollyX fitness are also held online, attracting upwards of 25 people to each session.
Additionally, their free and low cost medical services continue to be a great asset to the community. “Our medical clinic is held on Saturday, via telemedicine, and is very popular,” says the colonel. “The doctor gives a consultation over the phone and can send prescription requests directly to the pharmacy.” Around 6 to 8 medical consultations are given every Saturday. See their website for more details. Charity Volunteer Clinic.
India House launched a food distribution program in 2019. This popular program is more important than ever in these tough economic times. Managing the large volunteer groups required to distribute food during the pandemic is also challenging but India House is meeting and overcoming these obstacles. India House plans to distribute food every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, unless it clashes with an important event or holiday. Likely distribution in September will be 9th and 23rd September. Updated info is available at our website as well as Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/indiahouse
Col. Kumar says, “It is a trying time and we are trying to continue provide services online to keep the community healthy and fit. We also distributed food (Lunches and Dinners) to Healthcare workers in many hospitals. “
The Brays Oaks Management District and our community would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff and supporters of India House who continue working towards a healthy and happy southwest Houston. Please check out the events page at India House for more information.
India House
8888 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77031
Wk: 713.929.1900
