Gujarat Rajya Gram Vikas Samiti is committed to enhancing the lives of the urban homeless population through the operation and management of Shelters for Urban Homeless (SUH).
Gujarat Rajya Gram Vikas Samiti, entrusted with managing the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Urban Homeless Shelters, is deeply committed to providing safe haven and support to individuals in need. We currently operate Shelter at Jhansi Ni Rani, Near Bimanagar Garden (Capacity: 48 Persons) & Shelter at IIM Ahmedabad, Near Andh Jan Mandir Cross Roads, Opposite to IIM Ahmedabad New Campus (Capacity: 60 Persons). Our dedicated team consists of a total of Manager, 6 Caretakers / Supervisors, 2 Securities, cleaners and helpers who are working at shelter for ensuring their smooth operation.
SUH : Background and Need :
- Background: The Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) scheme addresses the pressing issues faced by the urban homeless, a marginalized group lacking essential resources.
- Rationale: In line with the National Urban Housing & Habitat Policy of 2007, SUH aims to ensure equitable access to shelter and services for all sections of society, with a specific focus on the urban homeless.
- SUH Initiative: Part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), SUH provides permanent, all-weather shelters with crucial amenities to improve the living conditions of the urban homeless.
- Vulnerability of Urban Homeless: Urban homeless individuals, often employed in informal sectors, live without shelter or social security, facing challenges in accessing basic public services like healthcare, education, food, and sanitation.
- DAY-NULM Objective: DAY-NULM seeks to grant the urban homeless access to shelters during both day and night, promoting their inclusion in essential services and social security schemes.
- Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Urban Community Development (UCD): In the context of Ahmedabad, AMC plays a vital role in implementing and managing the SUH scheme, facilitating the translation of policy objectives into tangible actions.
- Collective Effort: The SUH scheme, supported by DAY-NULM and executed by AMC and NGOs, strives to alleviate the vulnerability of the urban homeless, fostering a more equitable urban environment.
Objectives of the Scheme
The Scheme of Shelters for Urban Homeless (SUH) has the following objectives:
- Provide permanent shelters equipped with essential services to urban homeless
- Improve the living conditions and well-being of homeless individuals.
- Ensure access to basic amenities like sanitation, water, and healthcare for homeless.
- Offer a safe and dignified space for homeless individuals to sleep and rest.
- Empower homeless individuals by connecting them to social welfare schemes and livelihood opportunities
Comprehensive Services
Gujarat Rajya Gram Vikas Samiti along with AMC ensures that Shelters for Urban Homeless (SUH) provide designed to ensure dignified living conditions for homeless individuals. We will provide following facilities and services as per AMC and DAY-NLUM requirements:
- Permanent Operation: SUH will operate year-round and will be open 24/7 to accommodate the varied schedules of homeless individuals, many of whom find work during the night.
- Well-Ventilated Rooms: SUH will have well-ventilated rooms to ensure proper air circulation and a comfortable environment for residents.
- Water and Sanitation: Adequate arrangements for potable drinking water and sanitation facilities will be available to promote hygiene and well-being.
- Bathing and Toilet Facilities: SUH will provide sufficient bathing and toilet facilities for residents’ personal hygiene needs.
- Standard Lighting: Adequate lighting will be provided within the SUH premises to ensure safety and visibility.
- Fire Protection Measures: The SUH will adhere to fire safety norms and have adequate fire protection measures in place.
- First Aid Kit: SUH will be equipped with a first aid kit to address minor medical needs.
- Pest and Vector Control: Measures will be taken to control pests and vectors, such as mosquitoes, to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
- Regular Cleaning: Blankets, mattresses, sheets, and other services will be regularly cleaned and maintained.
- Common Kitchen/Cooking Space Shelters will have a common kitchen or cooking space equipped with necessary utensils, cooking facilities, and gas connections
- Nutrition / Food and substances: We will provide food (breakfast –Lunch-Dinner) to elderly, weak, mentally challenged and children at free of cost.
- Child Care Facilities: Child care facilities will be available, linking the shelter with nearby Anganwadi Centers to ensure the well-being of children.
- Convergence with Services/Entitlements: SUH will facilitate convergence with other services and entitlements, ensuring that residents can access a range of support programs. The details of various activities are mentioned seperately in next page.
- Personal Lockers: Personal lockers will be provided to offer secure storage space for residents’ belongings.
- Common Recreation Space: SUH will include a common recreation space to provide opportunities for social interaction and leisure activities.
The provision of these facilities aims to create a safe, clean, and supportive environment for homeless individuals. By addressing their basic needs and providing additional amenities, the SUH scheme seeks to improve the overall quality of life for homeless populations and assist them in transitioning towards more stable living conditions.
CSR & UNSDG: Under which sector of the schedule VII of the Companies Act 2013 and Which United Nations Sustainable Development Goals the project is covered?
The proposed project falls under the “Eradicating Hunger, Poverty, and Malnutrition” sector as per Schedule VII. This sector includes activities related to poverty alleviation, including providing shelter, food, and support services to homeless individuals. The project’s diverse focus areas encompass a range of sectors, (i) Promoting Education (ii) Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering women (iii) Measures for reducing inequalities faced by socially and economically backward groups reflecting its comprehensive approach to community development and aligning with the social and environmental objectives outlined in Schedule VII of the Companies Act 2013.
This project is related to several SDGs of the United Nations :
Goal 1: No Poverty , Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Bing, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 8: Reduced Inequality, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 16: Partnerships for the Goals, Goal 17: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
