CRUSADE began its work in villages around Minjur in backward Tiruvallur District near Chennai to provide a better quality of life to the poor. In the late 90’s, CRUSADE extended its work to Sholavaram block and thereafter to Ellapuram and Gummidipoondi. Presently, CRUSADE works in 200 villages in 80 Panchayats, reaching out to 2,50,000 people.

The initial interaction of CRUSADE was through forming women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Having successfully formed self-sustaining viable SHG’s, CRUSADE today facilitates their political participation through Panchayat Institutions.

With the success of formation of women groups, CRUSADE felt that the poorest of poor were side lined and were struggling to eke out a living. CRUSADE interacts with the poorest to address their urgent needs- be it medical, housing, economic or support to their children’s education.

Witnessing the continuous struggles and discrimination of people with disability, from late 90s CRUSADE initiated programmes to defend their rights and secure access to basic support as well. Presently, CRUSADE organizes the people with disability into village/Panchayat wise special groups to enable them to exercise their rights to demand the State services and influence state policies when the groups are further federated. CRUSADE has now initiated a skill building tailoring scheme to enable people with disability to learn and earn.

Of late, CRUSADE has undertaken Village Development Programmes providing potable water and improving sanitation in schools; its Environment improvements activities include promoting tree plantation and kitchen garden to mitigate impact of Climate Change, reduce pollution and improve organic food habits.

CRUSADE’s strategy is to initiate and nurture peoples’ organizations and equip them to be self-reliant. Range of activities include organizing, awareness creation, capacity building, providing knowledge, skills, systems & advocacy.