MISSION
Our Mission is to act as a catalyst for change for homeless young women by facilitating their journey to access fundamental needs and reclaim their identity by building an exemplary, replicable model that provides opportunities for their economic, psychological, emotional, civil, and social development. Know more.
ROOT CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS
A Three-Pronged Approach
Survivor-Centric Intervention
Providing trauma-informed safe shelters andnaccess to essential services.
Trauma-informed approach
Collaboration with state actors to adoptngender-sensitive practices.
Community Intervention
Facilitating socio-economic development andnactive citizenship.
The vicious cycle of homelessness by birth
Survivors of violence rendered homeless face significant barriers in accessing safe spaces, healthcare, education, economic opportunities, social protection, and civil entitlements.
1.8 million people in India are homeless (2011 Census).
32% of crimes are under cruelty by husbands or relatives.
Maharashtra ranks 2nd in crimes against women (NCRB, 2022).
98% of survivors of gender-based violence in India are unable to access healthcare.
92% of women experienced mental abuse in their homes while homeless (Urja data, 2022).
Only 19 shelters exist in Mumbai, while the need is for 125 shelters (1 per lakh homeless population).
ROOT CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS
Homelessness is a profound assault on dignity, social inclusion and the right to life. It is a prima facie violation of the right to housing and violates a number of other human rights in addition to the right to life, including non-discrimination, health, water and sanitation, security of the person and freedom from cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment.
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, A/HRC/43/43, para. 30 (March 2020).n
The vicious cycle of homelessness by birth
Survivors of violence rendered homeless face significant barriers in accessing safe spaces, healthcare, education, economic opportunities, social protection, and civil entitlements.n
CENSUS, 2011
1.8
million
people recorded as homeless in India u2014 anfigure that is grossly underreported.
How homelessness is counted u2014 and undercounted
The Indian definition of homelessness defines those not living in a ‘census house’ i.e.n’structure with a roof’ as homeless, estimating 1.8 million people as homeless in Indian(Census, 2011). However, this figure is grossly underreported as the definition does not fullynencompass the experience and scope of homelessness and inadequate housing.
IMPACT
Our reach so far
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Survivors of homelessness and structural violence
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Government stakeholders
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Community members
THEIR STORIES
'Behind Every Number Is A Life'
Survivors of homelessness and structuralnviolence
Survivors of violence rendered homeless face significant barriers in accessing safe spaces, healthcare, education, economic opportunities, social protection, and civil entitlements.n
Facing betrayal and mental illness with a warrior spirit
Then replace the existing description with the new Zahira paragraph. It explains that she came to Mumbai to be with her husband, was brought to Urja by police, received counselling/therapy, and is learning English and beauty/hair-care skills.
Survivors of domestic violence
It explains that because home was unsafe for many women, more young women experiencing domestic violence came to Urja, and Urja supported them through counselling and referrals to police, shelters and government services.
GET INVOLVED
Support Urja
Every woman and child deserves safety, dignity, and a healthy life. Support Urja in creating opportunities for homeless young women to rebuild their lives.
CENSUS, 2011
Address
201–202, Jasmine Apartment, Dadar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Helpline
+91 7045731582
Email
connect@urjatrust.org
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