One of the latest initiatives at the Russ Foundation is the building of a residence that will provide living accommodation for elderly members of the local community. Construction proceeded throughout 2000 and the first residents will move in during the early part of 2001.

Older people in India are typically well cared for by family members or by others in the community. However, poverty or the death or family members can place some older people in severe risk. Russ Foundation's aim is to provide accommodation and assistance for those elderly members of the local community who are disadvantaged and have no other means of support.

The lives of older people living at the Russ Foundation will be integrated with other aspects of work on the Chatirathondamanpatti site. So many other homes for the elderly around the world segregate their residents away from community life and away from contact with younger people. The Russ Foundation will adopt a very different approach. Here, elderly residents will live close to craft trainees, staff and children from the girls' home and they will be able to engage in a range of appropriate activities that will help them continue to lead a fulfilling life.