Beliaghata Shelter for Urban Homeless

(Vagrancy Dept. Govt. Of West Bengal, India)

Background of the Shelter:

The Government of West Bengal in association with Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta has been running a programme named, “The Shelter for Urban Homeless”. This shelter provides a safe accommodation for homeless women, children and elderly, free of cost. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has passed an order directing all State Governments to set up a shelter for the urban homeless in all the cities covered under JNNURM, which ensure access of urban homeless population to shelters, with basic amenities such as mattress, first aid, blanket, drinking water, toilets, recreation, de-addiction etc. in order to enable a life of dignity.

Target group:

• People who sleep at night in their work place, such as tea shops, dhabas, construction sites etc.
• People who earn a living as hand cart puller, rickshaw puller, van puller, taxi driver etc.
• People who spend their nights in public places such as railway platforms, bus stand, place of worship, hospital area, etc.
• Homeless people who are referred by local police.
• Vulnerable people who are referred by local councilor.
• Vagabonds who are referred by local clubs.

Total Number of Units-

a. Beliaghata Shelter for Urban Homeless – 2 female ward and 3 male ward- 5 Units.

Staying Capacity:

a. Beliaghata Shelter for Urban Homeless– 200 approx (40 x 5 wards).

Shelter Facilities:-

• A safe accommodation with 24 Hrs Security.
• Safe drinking water.
• Free Bed Roll, Blanket, Mat, Mosquito Net, Pillow with pillow Cover, Bed Cover & Trunk.
• 24 Hrs electricity and running water facility.
• Proper sanitation facility.
• First Aid facility.
• Entertainment facility (Television, Newspaper, Indoor Games Etc.).
• Emergency Referral System.
• Fire Extinguisher.