Disadvantaged Groups: Homeless and Slum Dwellers

Factors that Contribute to the Homelessness:

• Lack of affordable housing
• Changes in the industrial economy leading to unemployment
• Inadequate income supports
• De-institutionalisation of patients with mental health problems
• Physical or mental illness
• Disability
• Substance abuse
• Domestic violence
• Job loss

Some facts on the Homelessness in India and worldwide:

• According to studies, 100 million people worldwide are literally homeless and the number would surpass 100 million if all people who lack an adequate home with secure occupancy are included
• According to a 2005 study by the United Nations, an estimated 100 million people were homeless worldwide and as many as 1 billion people lacked adequate housing
• In India, the number of homeless people declined by about 66,000 households in rural areas, and went up by about 69,000 households in urban areas in 2013
• Rajasthan has the highest proportion of homeless
• Other states that has had the least success in reducing the proportion of homeless persons include Haryana and West Bengal
• Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh account for about half the country’s homeless population
• The lowest homeless proportion is found in Mizoram (about 0.01 percent) and Andaman (about 0.02 percent)
• According to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP), more than 90 percent of homeless women are victims of domestic violence which results in their escaping from their homes
• According to the NLCHP, the lack of affordable housing is a primary cause of homelessness
• Reports say that about 20 to 25 percent of the homeless suffer from severe mental illness.