GCC to set up shelters for homeless persons recovering from illnesses

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will establish recovery shelters to support homeless individuals, who are recovering from illness, by providing structured care, counselling, medical support, and reintegration services.

According to estimates, the city needs at least 30 additional shelters for the homeless in various zones of the GCC. The civic body will conduct a study to finalise the number of recovery shelters among the 30 shelters required in each zone. The civic body is likely to start identifying land near hospitals to construct them. The civic body has not created any recovery shelter so far in the city. It is also exploring the feasibility of establishing recovery shelters in buildings being developed near major tertiary care hospitals. Additional land parcels are expected to be identified for the development of recovery shelters near tertiary care and secondary care hospitals.

Mani Kandan, a homeless person in Royapettah, said many homeless residents had been taken directly from the hospitals to the roadside after they were being discharged. After the launch of recovery shelters, the GCC plans to accommodate those who cannot be sent to other facilities owing to existing medical conditions. GCC officials are expected to coordinate with hospital unknown wards for referrals and continuity of care.

Field analysis planned

Officials will also assess the needs through field analysis and establish new recovery shelters at the right location. The move aims at strengthening the city’s shelter system, ensuring inclusive coverage for the homeless and other vulnerable demographics. A monitoring committee constituted under the new operational framework will play a central role in conducting field surveys, recommending new shelters, and providing policy guidance to strengthen shelter planning and service delivery.

The civic body will ensure that no homeless person in the city is excluded from access to shelter and support services. Officials will study areas such as Koyambedu, Chennai Central, Egmore, and the Marina to assess the situation under the GCC’s new operational framework. Surveys and needs assessments to identify shelter gaps will begin soon, officials added.