February 01, 2012

Introduction

Sharmistha Sarkar from Praxis conducted PRA at the Lodhi Road shelter for homeless citizens (CityMakers1) run by IGSSS on 4 January 2012. The objectives of the exercise were to understand the importance of shelter in their lives, to give an opportunity to the residents to analyse their own problems and to indicate possible solutions. indu prakash singh and Kirti Mishra from IGSSS facilitated the process.

PRA Process

After a brief introduction by indu prakash singh and Sharmistha about the purpose of the exercise, the latter asked the residents to draw the picture of the shelter where they live. The residents sat together to draw the picture with coloured chalks on the ground. While one person was drawing, others gave suggestions on what all need to be drawn. Within a few minutes, the picture of the shelter was ready.

Sharmistha encouraged the residents to share about their life in the shelter. She then jotted down on cards what they said. The residents shared that they came to the city to work. Since there was no facility for them and renting an accommodation was beyond their means, they used to stay on the pavements.

They said "we used to do odd jobs, ride cycle rickshaws, serve at wedding parties, etc." Police used to harass them and even beat them with lathis. Public also used to trouble them. The shelter provided a safe place for them to stay during the night. They are able to keep their belongings inside it. It protected them from the summer heat, rain and the cold in winter.

Residents said it was a very difficult situation for them earlier in the shelter. There was no water and electricity. But now there is facility for drinking water and electricity. They can take food from the Sai Mandir, which is near to the shelter. Now they are free from the harassment of police. According to them, the police officer has also offered to help them in case of any trouble in the shelter. In the words of Prem Kumar, who is staying in the shelter for the past 3 months, "shelter is a great help as it provided a place to stay and go for some work". The residents said the shelter is beneficial for each one of them and others. There is a great sense of togetherness among them. "There is a family-like feeling within the shelter", Prem Kumar said. The residents said while returning from work, they used to tell others that they are going to their 'home'. The shelter is 'home' for all of them. The shelter has given them an identity and an opportunity to understand each other.

Describing the issues within the shelter, they said, there is lack of space especially during winter. Some people have to sleep on the floor when more people come in. The space is not enough. During rain, water flows inside the shelter and wet their belongings kept on the ground. Toilet facility is not sufficient. The toilet in-charge used to charge Rs 2—5 for the facility. Children are not allowed to use the toilet. The toilet staff used to drink during his working hours and also threatens the inmates of the shelter. Disabled inmates find it very difficult to use the facility, since it gets closed by 9 pm and there is heavy rush during the day. The MCD toilet should be kept open 24 hours, they said. The residents said the shelter needs to be expanded. They suggested that a shelter can be made behind the MCD toilet, one at the government park in the nearby colony and another behind the Mehar Chand market.

When asked whether the shelter can be closed down or relocated to another place, the residents said in one voice that they will not allow it to happen. They also cited instances when some of them were fooled by authorities earlier promising alternative places for them to settle down. The residents said they will move out only if they are provided permanent houses to stay. "Construct house first for us, then we will move", they said.

Conclusions
The PRA helped to understand the problems of the shelter residents. The people actively participated in the exercise and shared how important is the shelter in their lives. Even women and disabled took active part in narrating the difficulties they confront. The exercise helped to build close rapport between the residents and the team. It helped to understand their needs, priorities and solutions to the problems they face.

Report prepared by
Anil Kumar
Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS)