The Mak Minah Project helps homeless families by giving them loans to set up homes

Sara Sukor (in black) and Ayu Abdullah (second from left) co-founded The Mak Minah project three years ago. They have since recruited Maisyarah Mazlan (far right) and Alishia Zulkifli on board. Photo: The Star/S.S. Kanesan

Cradling her 18-month-old daughter Kai in her arms, Suraya, 37, wears a wide smile as she welcomes us into her flat.

The 15th floor flat is small and sparsely-furnished but bright and welcoming. The dining table is laden with food; there is laksa made by Suraya’s 69-year-old mother, a big jug of syrup drink prepared by Suraya’s sister Marisa, and jars of Hari Raya cookies.