Homeless shelters

As the effects of climate change exacerbate, Pakistan will see an ever-increasing fluctuation of extreme temperatures from scorching heat to extreme cold. We all witnessed the devastation and death brought about by heat waves in the last few years and now as the country is in the grip of a severe cold wave, the temperature in Skardu dropped to a record low of -21 degree Celsius.

In such dire circumstances the provincial Government of Punjab, backed by the Chief Secretary and Deputy Commissioners, has taken a great initiative by establishing 92 shelter homes which are currently housing around 1,700 homeless people. Even though the shelters are temporary, providing the homeless with food and drinks, they can be built into a sustainable model that provides much more. Such models will not act as living grounds for many of the homeless but can also be replicated easily across the country. These shelters can also act as rehabilitation centers that give the homeless a new lease on life by educating and teaching them specific skills that can help them find jobs.

Much can be done and significant change can be made if steps are taken in the right direction. The government should involve other stakeholders, especially design-thinkers, through which funding and development is bolstered and a collective realisation is brought about. The fact is that the 20 million homeless people in Pakistan are the most affected by these extreme climatic conditions and something needs to be done. These shelters seem to be a budding initiative that will also help the PM’s goal of alleviating poverty and homelessness in the country.

While the government is playing its part in this regards, we as citizens need to come forward as active agents in the process. We should start this year off by providing for those that are less privileged. It is our responsibility to give back.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2020.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.