Shelters for Homeless – HISA






All countries require shelters for homeless and destitute people. In an earlier note here this author had suggested a shelter concept known as HISA. In view of its increasing importance, its essential features are summarized again here,

1.
HISA centers are shelters that provide a single bed and closet in partially enclosed beds in a dorm type of setting to a person in need of shelter. A possible configuration is shown in the figure. Sets of ten to sixteen beds in a dormitory are connected to common bathroom, clothes washing, and toilet area on one end. At the other end is the exit that has a boiling hot and cold drinking water spout in a washbasin as well as trash bin.

2.
Dormitories are segregated into three types within a HISA complex
q       For women, girls and male children under the age of ten
q       For men older than sixteen
q       Boys between ten and sixteen stay in a separate dorm that is a part of a school for children

3.
The HISA complex contains a common mess where free meals ( breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner) are provided to all residents. Children and separated couples have an opportunity to meet in the mess as well as in common parks.

4.
HISA complexes are set up on outskirts of city and a free daily bus pass to city is available for all adults to visit and work part time or full time in the city.

5.
Admission to a HISA center is given based on a contract that says that if a resident has any income from pension, work etc. half of it is payable to the center as expenses. Those who have none pay nothing.

6.
Old age persons unable to manage on their own may also stay in a HISA center subject to signing a contract and will that anything they own shall become property of the HISA center on their demise if they have stayed in a HISA center for more than one year. Old or sick persons can ask to have a meal delivered to their enclosure.


7.
Any person can apply to live in a HISA center and stay for as long as they wish. However, if they are away for a specified period without permission e.g. three days their allotted accommodation may be cancelled and they would have to apply afresh

8.
When a person moves into a HISA center, if they have belongings more than a suitcase and a handbag, then that has to be deposited in a central store that they can access no more than once a month or on leaving the center.

9.
If a person is a drug or alcohol addict, he is housed in a separate de-addiction center within the complex

10.
Peer reviews and dorm inspections are carried out to rate residents. Those with high ratings get certain privileges such as choice of location in complex or part time work within it. Those with low ones may be moved to a place where they disturb others least.

11.
The complex also has a few restaurants and shops for those who can afford purchases.

12.
HISA centers begin as tented accommodation in compounds allocated for it specifically that are later converted gradually to permanent barracks. A person who has moved to a HISA center may move out anytime he or she wishes, unless they are unaccompanied children who may move out only when they are adults (at least eighteen years old)




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