For almost 40 years, Rumah Ozanam in Petaling Jaya has been a safe place for children who have experienced difficult family situations. From providing shelter and daily meals to supporting their education, the home has helped hundreds of children grow up in a caring environment.
However, the home is now facing serious financial difficulties, with its remaining funds dropping to just RM2,000.
Speaking to FMT Lifestyle, Rumah Ozanam board president Gabriel Bala Murali shared that the organization is struggling to keep up with its daily expenses as donations continue to decline.
“We are in dire straits; our current bank balance is only around RM2,000”, he said, adding that the need for financial support has become extremely urgent.
A Safe Home for Children in Need
Established on 22nd March 1987, Rumah Ozanam operates two separate homes along Jalan Padang in PJ, one for boys and another for girls.
The organization provides shelter to children who have experienced poverty, abandonment, neglect or abuse.
Currently, the homes care for 15 children, comprising 11 girls and 4 boys aged between 8 and 17.
Some come from single-parent families or households facing financial difficulties, while others have parents who are unable to work due to health problems. The home also accepts children referred by the social welfare department through the courts.
Beyond providing a roof over their heads, Rumah Ozanam works to give the children a stable and comfortable childhood.
Their daily routine begins with breakfast at 6AM before leaving for school around 6:45AM. After school, they return for lunch, rest and household chores, while evenings are spent playing games, attending tuition and studying.
Volunteers also conduct activities such as football and tennis lessons, while counselling is provided whenever needed. Education remains one of the home’s biggest priorities. Apart from covering school supplies, transport and tuition, Rumah Ozanam also helps deserving residents pursue higher education.
For Gabriel, seeing former residents graduate and move forward in life is one of the most meaningful parts of his work, as it shows how the home’s support has made a difference.
RM25,000 Needed Every Month to Keep the Home Running
Despite its years of service, Rumah Ozanam is now struggling to meet its operating costs.
According to Gabriel, the home previously received regular support from corporate sponsors, individual donors and other well-wishers. However, many of these contributions declined following the pandemic.
The organization requires approximately RM25,000 every month to cover food, school supplies, staff salaries, utilities, maintenance and other essential expenses.
While a fundraising dinner is being planned for April 2027, the home’s immediate concert is securing enough funds to continue operating over the coming months.
Gabriel explained that an emergency contribution of RM60,000 would provide much-needed financial relief while the organization works towards becoming more financially stable.
He hopes individuals, businesses and members of the public will consider supporting the home through one-time donations or regular monthly contributions.
“We want nothing more than to ensure our children continue to have a safe, secure and loving home where they can health and grow,” he shared.
Here’s How You Can Help Rumah Ozanam
Those who wish to support the children can make donations using the following details:
Bank: CIMB Bank
Account Name: Yayasan Ozanam- SVP Rumah Ozanam
Account Number: 800 230 4523
Tax-exemption receipts will be provided for donations of RM50 and above.
For further information, the public can contact Gabriel at 03-7781 9013 or 012- 607 0837, or visit their Facebook page.
For nearly 4 decades, Rumah Ozanam has helped children find safety, care and hope for a better future. Now, as the home faces one of its most difficult financial periods, support from the public could make all the difference in ensuring these children continue to have a place they can call home.
Sources: FMT
