Background

Homeless people in India face innumerable systemic challenges, most of which are related to the lack of basic infrastructure, like sanitation and healthcare facilities. According to a 2021 report from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, there are over 1.77 million homeless people in urban India, with a disproportionate number experiencing a dire lack of hygiene, sanitation, and access to basic amenities. The lack of permanent housing worsens this condition, creating a cycle of vulnerability regarding basic living, health outcomes, and all-round well-being. Public spaces and even makeshift shelters are often used by individuals without permanent housing who must then suffer from inferior sanitation facilities which lead to preventable diseases, thereby further exacerbating extant public health issues.

As such, any proposed solutions must not only be equitable and humane, but also longitudinal. Permanent infrastructure will play a significant role in maintaining the basic needs of homeless populations in a country that is increasingly urban and unequal. Although several NGOs and government programs have created initiatives and programs to bridge this gap, most homeless people are still unable to access sanitation and health care.