One of the most challenging problems of our country today is homelessness. As we continue to record improvements in poverty, homelessness is still plagued in India. Every day, more and more families struggle to keep a decent roof over their heads. Millions of people live in inadequate, overcrowded, unsafe dwellings with no sanitation, facing environmental risk factors, with no basic infrastructure making it harder for them to access the mainstream economy.
Urbanisation and industrialisation lead to the creation of slums. People living in slums are at higher risk of death, infectious diseases and social embarrassment. Landlessness and poor living conditions among weaker sections of society create social distress, becoming the biggest hurdle for economic development. Overexploitation of resources by the wealthy class and unequal distribution of wealth results in these people's deteriorating living conditions; they are left with no roof over their head, struggling with harsh climate conditions.
The housing insecurity problem is climbing more steeply as the disadvantaged struggle to choose between the food on the table and the roof above their heads. A roof is a must to save them from all the worldly storms. Shelter is a basic necessity for human beings like food, air and water.
Therefore, the Humanity Welfare Council has started an initiative, Project Shelter, where we are doing our part to help put a roof over the maximum number of heads. We are not just constructing a shelter; we are doing much more than that by building entire communities, complete with town halls, roads, electricity, wells, sewage systems and clean drinking water.
This structure of bricks and cement holds different meanings for different people. It provides an individual with physical, emotional and mental security and a base to rely on for other basic needs. For the poor sleeping on railway tracks and footpaths, a shelter is a blessing in disguise.
So, let us join hands to provide shelter to every individual in our country!
Mission
The mission of Project SHELTER is to banish poverty in India and build well-equipped homes for homeless people.
Vision
We visualise India as a developed nation with well-built sustainable homes. Our Vision is to provide a roof over the head of every homeless person.
Project SHELTER recognises the following activities-
Basic House – We provide permanent housing and support services for people who are or were homeless (or at risk of homelessness).
We emphasize a holistic approach and serve primarily individuals with a history of mental illness, addiction or both. We coordinate teams of outreach professionals from non-profit, non-government and social service organizations.