Delhi Winter Is Already Harsh For The Homeless, COVID Is Making It Even Worse, But You Can Help

As Delhi, like most of north India, is feeling the chill from the winters, the thousands of homeless people in the national capital are bracing for tough days ahead.

Though their struggles are not new during this time of the year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the already bleak situation even worse.

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The number of new COVID-19 cases is still on the rise and it is likely to remain the same or get even worse before it improves.

COVID coupled with flu-like diseases add to woes

"Generally, flu-like diseases spread more during winters. Cold weather and humidity are favourable for the spread of the disease," Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi said.

This is bad news for the lesser privileged who in most cases do not even have a roof over their heads and COVID-19 precautions like face masks and hand sanitizers are beyond luxury for them.

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A good portion of them already suffers from several health conditions, due to their exposure to Delhi's toxic air.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Delhi recorded the coldest November morning in at least 14 years on the 20th of this month.

This has forced many homeless to seek refuge in the night shelters run by Delhi Government.

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But there is a growing fear that the usually crowded night shelters where social distancing is a luxury could turn into COVID-19 super spreaders this year.

Currently, there are 212 permanent and 70-odd temporary shelters in Delhi that can accommodate over 10,000 people; but this time, DUSIB has to ensure a six-foot distance between every two individuals in the wake of COVID-19.

Keeping this in mind, the Delhi government is setting up 250 temporary shelters, a four-fold increase compared with previous years, which will become operational from December 1.

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In the already existing facilities those arriving to spend the night, they are checked for fever and given face masks and hand sanitizers, though maintaining social distancing is still a challenge, despite the appeals by volunteers.

People asked to maintain social distancing at shelters

An inmate of the shelter in Sarai Kale Khan, Umrah, said they were told to maintain social distancing.

"We have been provided with everything we need: food, water, and blankets. We have been told about the coronavirus safety measures that we should wear masks and maintain the social distancing" Umrah said.

The caretaker of the night shelter in Sarai Kale Khan, Nishu Kumar, said they are providing meals and water twice a day. "We have provided blankets. We have been holding weekly meetings to spread awareness among the residents about the coronavirus," he said, adding their winter rescue has also started. "We find out homeless people on the streets and drop them to the nearest night shelters."

While the government is doing its bit, as ordinary citizens we can also extend a helping hand to the homeless in these tough times.

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As most of us will be buying new warm winter clothes there will be a lot of old ones lying around unused. You can give it away to the homeless around you or if you don't find any such persons around donate them to NGOs or neighborhood groups around you who will be doing it.

You can also contribute financially or buy face masks and sanitizers for them.

Another way you can make their lives a little better is by providing food, if not personally, reach out to those who are already doing it.