Summary of Framework Building Blocks:

The CHD framework is deliberately embedded in rigorous data collection, street-level visibility, legal advocacy, policy partnership, and citizen-rights philosophy. It is both grounded in real‑time experience (night vigil, mapping) and aimed at influencing institutional shifts (policy, scheme implementation, standardized surveys).

Let me know if you'd like deeper detail on any one part—e.g. survey methodology, legal petitions, mapping results, or their engagement with government schemes.

How many people are experiencing homelessness in India, according to the Centre for Holistic Development (CHD).

CHD is a New Delhi–based NGO working on street-level programs and advocacy for people experiencing homelessness. While their work is nationwide in aspiration, their data and commentary have focused especially on Delhi.

Here's what can be summarized

Sunil Kumar Aledia, Executive Director of the Centre for Holistic Development, highlights that more than 300,000 people in Delhi are estimated to be homeless—living under bridges, on pavements, or in makeshift encampments. A night‑time survey conducted in August 2024 counted 156,369 individuals sleeping outdoors between 11 pm and 5:30 am, underscoring that Delhi’s shelter capacity covers only a fraction of the need.

• Census of India 2011 reported 1.77 million homeless people nationwide, approximately 0.15 % of the total population

• However, a number of civil society organizations argue that this is a significant undercount, suggesting the actual number may exceed 3 million persons

• CHD’s insights and advocacy are rooted in Delhi, where they estimate over 300,000 homeless individuals within the city.

• They have not published a nationwide homelessness figure themselves—CHD's focus remains urban Delhi, though they plan to expand nationally

• The 1.77 million figure from Census 2011 is widely regarded as outdated and underrepresentative.

• Definitions matter: India counts “homeless” as those not living in a “Census house,” which excludes slum dwellers or those in informal housing.

• CHD’s estimate is urban‑focused and specific to Delhi; it does not represent the national scale.

  If you're looking for the CHD figure specifically: it refers to Delhi, not the whole country, estimating 300,000+ homeless people within the city. Nationally, homelessness is conventionally cited as 1.77 million (2011 Census) but experts believe the real number could well be over 3 million today.

  Would you like to explore CHD’s methodologies or look into more recent national-level surveys or research?

  The Centre for Holistic Development (CHD)’s framework is designed not just to manage homelessness, but to end it by transforming how society and governments recognize, respond to, and include people experiencing homelessness.

  Here’s how the framework works to help end homelessness — not just temporarily shelter people, but give them the tools and support to regain stability and dignity:

  
  
  

  1. By Treating Homelessness as a Human Rights Issue

  Instead of seeing homeless people as “beneficiaries” or a nuisance, the framework recognizes them as citizens with legal rights to:

  • Shelter

  • Identity (voter ID, Aadhaar)

  • Food

  • Healthcare

  • Livelihood

  Why it matters: Without ID or address, most homeless people can’t access government schemes. By pushing for inclusion and entitlement, CHD enables real exits from homelessness.

  
  
  

  2. By Mapping & Identifying Needs in Real Time

  CHD’s continuous surveys and night counts allow:

  • Accurate data on how many people are homeless and where

  • Identification of vulnerable subgroups (women, children, disabled)

  • Insight into seasonal risks (winter deaths, heatwaves)

  Why it matters: Accurate data ensures resources go where they’re needed, and not just where it’s convenient for authorities.

  
  
  

  3. By Advocating for Safe, Dignified Shelters — Not Just Beds

  CHD pushes for:

• Community-based, gender-sensitive shelters

• Long-term housing models (not just temporary relief)

• Use of abandoned buildings for permanent shelter homes

Why it matters: Many shelters are overcrowded or unsafe. If shelter becomes livable and empowering, more people can transition out of homelessness.

4. By Using the Legal System to Force Policy Reform

CHD files PILs (public interest litigations) and works with courts to:

• Mandate government surveys

• Hold agencies accountable for shelter provision

• Push implementation of policies like Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) under NULM

Why it matters: Laws are in place, but implementation is weak. Legal action compels the system to act and allocate funds properly.

5. By Building Bridges to Society

Their framework includes:

• Mental health and addiction support

• Skill-building, rehabilitation, and livelihood training

• Social reintegration — reconnecting with families or community housing models

Why it matters: Ending homelessness means integration, not just survival. These pathways give people a chance to start over.

CHD’s framework helps break the cycle of homelessness by combining compassion, data, policy pressure, and dignity. It's not just a model for Delhi—it’s a blueprint that can be scaled across India.

• Vanguard program

• Program night vigile

• Program pahchan

• Program sahara

• Program project sleepwell

• Program uthan

• Program sahyog