Homeless women find solace in GHMC-run havens

Saroornagar: Narayanamma has been visiting the Shelter for Urban Homeless for the last two years.“It is like a home away from home. I made good friends and connect with others,” she said. Run by NGO Bhartiya Mahila Sangam (BMS), under the aegis of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the home has a capacity to accommodate 25 persons. Speaking to The Hans India, Sajeeda Begum of BMS said, “We have been running the home successfully for the last six years. A number of women from different backgrounds come here and find solace.” 

“There are many who do not even possess an Aadhaar card and are helpless. We do our best to arm them with life skills and give them confidence,” she added. Sajeeda pointed out that they took care of various people in the past from street beggars to mentally and physically challenged people. Many women who face physical abuse and have fallen out with their families are also given shelter.” 

The shelter also offers services like counselling and government assisted medical camps every week.Currently aiding 17 women, Sajeeda says that the shelter is visited by few families and people on special occasions when they want to share the joy with the women there and that the shelter only runs with the donations. The GHMC pays the salaries of the manager and three caretakers.

Nagamma who has been staying in the shelter for five months now says the staff and others are kind to her and treat her well. Shelter accepts donations or food. People interested to donate can contact: 7780406886.

   - Marty Sri Lalitha