Warmth amid winter chill: NGOs step in to provide winter wear, blankets to the homeless

Good Samaritans have stepped in to make the winter a little warmer for the poor, as sleeping outdoors in cold temperatures is a tough proposition

NT Bengaluru

As the city ascends into the winter season, mercury levels have dropped to numbers as low as 18 degrees Celsius. Although this weather prompts for a hot beverage or boiling soup, every day is a battle for the homeless and destitute. However, good samaritans and NGOs have stepped in to make their winters a little warmer. Mohammed Ibrahim Akram, who runs a chain of restaurants in the city, has been contributing winter wear and blankets for the last year. “So far, the team of 10 volunteers have distributed 200 blankets across the city,” he stated.

According to Ibrahim, a destitute person passed away due to persistent health issues, although they were struggling in this cold. In addition to blankets, winter wear made out of fleece including sweaters, pullovers and jackets is also being distributed. Their acts have also attracted governmental attention, “Manivannan IAS, the principal secretary to the government in the Social Welfare Department had offered their helpline number as part of our initiative,” he said.

Volunteers like Sadiq Rahmatullah have contributed more than 250 jackets to the needy. “We’ve identified hospitals, footpaths and bus stops where a lot of homeless people find respite. So far, we’ve given more than 450 blankets across the city,” he claimed.

BBMP yet to fulfill HC order of 84 shelters: Although the BBMP has its shelters, it has yet to fulfil the High Court’s order to have 84 shelters for the homeless. “We are still scouting for the appropriate land parcels to build 37 more shelters soon,” said BBMP Special Commissioner (Health) Suralkar Vikas Kishore. At present, 47 shelters are present under its Jurisdiction.

According to Kishore, a shelter had to be shut down due to a lack of inmates. All of them are mapped under individual zones and the welfare section will be in charge of guiding people to these shelters. However, a few shelters were allegedly sub-standard. A night shelter on Osman Khan Road off N R Road was previously an animal shed. “We will look into them and improve the said shelter,” Kishore added.

(If you come across a homeless or a destitute person in need of warmth, please call 8073818079 for blankets and winter wear.)