Tiruchi Corporation takes steps to help homeless people at night shelters to earn a livelihood
Tiruchi Corporation has taken initiatives to help homeless individuals residing in night shelters to earn a livelihood while also streamlining the operations of these shelters.
The night shelters were established to meet a much-felt need as several homeless individuals were taking shelter on the roadsides, beneath bridges, and at bus stops, exposed to the elements. Many were seen sleeping on medians, especially near the Srirangam checkpost.
With adverse weather conditions prevailing, the civic body has permitted the homeless to stay in the shelters during the day as well. Since these people have nowhere to go, the officials have taken steps to support their livelihood. Measures to help the physically fit among the homeless find minimal small jobs, enabling them to earn a living and enhance their lives have been initiated, said a senior official.
Steps are being taken to streamline the functioning of these shelters.
Meanwhile, plans are afoot to establish new shelters for those with good mental and physical health at Tiruverumbur, Woraiyur, and Srirangam at a cost of ₹1 crore each under the National Urban Livelihood Mission. Amenities, including a dining hall, kitchen, dormitory, sanitation complex, and meditation hall are planned. Officials said that Corporation lands had been identified for the purpose and they were awaiting sanction from the Centre to execute the project.
At present, there are three night shelters for homeless people on Bharathiar Road near the Railway Junction, E.B. Road, and on Madurai Road near Main Guard Gate to accommodate around 50 homeless people each.
The shelter on E.B. Road is dedicated to women and the one near Railway Junction is for men. The one on Madurai Road is occupied by beggars. These night shelters are of great help to prevent homeless people from sleeping on the streets and many stay during the day as well.
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) has been roped in for the maintenance of shelters, and caretakers and security guards have been appointed.
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