This report is a compilation and analysis of the research on the conditions of night shelters in Delhi. The research was conducted in thirteen Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) run night shelters for homeless people in Delhi during November 2001 and January 2002. The fieldwork was carried out by Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan (AAA), which is an ActionAid India funded project that works with homeless people in Delhi. The objectives of the study are to: identify problems in each night shelter in Delhi and explore possible solutions; engage shelter users actively as full participants in the study process as effective agents of change; and provide MCD with qualitative information on livelihoods of shelter users in order that they may fulfill their responsibilities towards homeless people. Participatory Reflection and Action (PRA) methodology was used to identify problems in the night shelters, such as transect walks, problem scoring matrices, daily activity schedules and mobility maps. The report examines the study process and the findings of the study as identified by the participants regarding: problems in night shelters; responsibility of the night shelters; and solutions to inadequate maintenance, lack of facilities and services, bad management, problems caused by users, and external problems. It is concluded that all the MCD run night shelters, except for the one, are in state of disrepair and decay. Regular maintenance has been neglected and basic facilities have not been provided. Actions for change and recommendation to the MCD are given.
Publication year:
2002
Pages:
40 p.