By Prof. I. Arul Aram, Former Professor & Head, Dept. of Media Sciences, Anna University, Tamil Nadu, India

Chennai, like many large urban centres, faces a pressing challenge in housing its homeless population. Despite efforts by the Greater Chennai Corporation and NGOs, night shelters remain insufficient both in number and facilities, especially given the city’s estimated 9,000+ homeless residents.

The problems of the shelter system include a shortage of adequate shelters, limited funding, and uneven distribution across the city. The city currently has 48 operational shelters, each housing up to 50 inmates. Separate shelter homes operate for men, women, boys, and girls. There are also shelter homes for transgender people. Additionally, 35 modern shelters are planned, with even facilities to support the most vulnerable groups, including the aged, disabled, and mentally ill.

Shelters are designed as short-stay homes, with people allowed to stay up to six months. Currently, more than 1,600 individuals are housed in shelters managed by NGOs, with the operational expenses borne by the Corporation. Beyond basic needs like food and clothing, psychosocial support is offered with weekly counselling.

Unlike some parts of the country, Chennai does not experience extreme heat and cold waves. Most people accommodated in shelter homes are those who become homeless due to certain circumstances. Many go to work, or some beg, during the daytime. Efforts are being made to reintegrate them with their homes or rehabilitate them with gainful employment and an independent place to stay. After reintegration or rehabilitation, too, follow-up activities are undertaken to ensure sustainability. There are instances of educated young women coming to Chennai from rural areas in search of jobs but becoming helpless and homeless; in such cases, shelter homes not only provide them with a place to stay but also mediate with institutions for jobs. In fact, when people are vulnerable, shelter homes give them a roof and food and protect them from abuse and violence.

The Tamil Nadu Urban Livelihood Mission supports these efforts by linking shelter residents to government welfare schemes such as PDS, pensions, education, and affordable housing. Special provisions are also made within shelters for vulnerable groups such as people with mental health issues or those with health issues. Old people or mentally ill people lacking in family support are referred to permanent shelters meant for them.

According to K. Logesh, Projector Coordinator for the Loyola Shelter Home for Homeless Men, there is a surge in people during the rainy season for short stays, as low-lying areas are marooned and poorly-maintained low-income houses leak. Once the rains stop and/or the floodwaters recede, they return to their homes.

Indeed, night shelters help treat the homeless not just as a problem of shelter, but as citizens entitled to dignity, safety, and opportunity.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.