Koshish-TISS is working for protection & promotion of rights & dignity of homeless and destitute citizens
Who We Are?
Koshish is a filed action project of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. It started as a student initiative and has developed to be a comprehensive intervention influencing critical policy decisions. The project is at the crucial stage where it has successfully advocated with the state as well as central governments for the repeal of the current legislation and formulation of central legislation that will be community-based with a non-custodial framework.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is to have a society which is just and equal, where poverty is not criminalised. Koshish addresses the interrelated issues of Beggary, Destitution and homelessness through institutions pitches at different levels. The interventions comprise providing support for basic and immediate needs, facilitating sustainable rehabilitation and advocacy for structural reforms.ﾠ
Koshish-TISS currently works with Homeless communities on the field in Delhi, Mumbai and Nagpur. The intervention includes community based mental health programs, education, Support for livelihood, legal aid and facilitating access to government schemes and programs. Our institutional work covers Beggar’s Homes in Mumbai and Delhi. The primary goal is to assist and rehabilitate persons being tried under the Beggary laws. Our work in Nagpur is with the Udaan project of Tata Trust at the Regional Mental hospital where we strive to assist clients being admitted to the hospital by tracing their families and facilitating reintegration and follow ups. Udaan has created a distinct space for itself within the government system and our efforts are to assist them in strengthening the ground that has been created so that patients have more support available not only in terms of better institutional facilities and environment but also a greater possibility of getting reunited with their families and communities.
Get Involved
The archaic Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 criminalises begging and targets people for being homeless or unemployed despite “the relief of the disabled and unemployable” being a state responsibility. The state penalises the poor for being poor.
If you believe in equality and dignity for everyone, you can be a part of the journey at Koshish in multiple ways…
Volunteer with Us – We value in all the skills that one can bring. Every drop counts.
Support Repatriation Visits – You can help a person reach its loved ones.
Contribute Essentials – You can contribute or arrange for basic requirements like medicines and clothes.
Be a Friend of Koshish – You can practice and disseminate the values of Koshish from wherever you are.