Report By The Shelter Crew

Bahria Business School

Community Development
Report

SAFE HAVEN INITIATIVE

By Malik Basit, Umer Raza, Iman Masud, Emaan shahid and Asad Ullah
Community Development Report ................................................... 3
Introduction ...................................................................................... 3
1. Learn About the Community ..................................................... 4
1.1 Research and Data Collection ................................................ 4
1.2 Field Visits ................................................................................ 4
1.3 Identifying the Root Causes ................................................... 4
2. Listen to Community Members ................................................. 4
2.1 Direct Conversations with Homeless Individuals .............. 5
2.2 Discussions with NGOs and Volunteers .............................. 5
2.3 Community Feedback ............................................................. 5
3. Bring People Together to Develop a Shared Vision ................ 5
3.1 Community Meetings ............................................................. 5
3.2 Defining Our Vision ................................................................ 5
4. Assess Community Assets and Resources, Needs and Issues
............................................................................................................. 6
4.1 Identified Community Assets ................................................ 6
4.2 Key Needs & Issues ................................................................. 6
5. Help Community Members Recognize and Articulate Areas
of Concern ......................................................................................... 6
6. Establish a ‘Vehicle of Change’ .................................................. 6
 "Safe Haven Shelter Pakistan" ...................................................... 7
6.1 Organizational Structure ........................................................ 7
7. Develop an Action Plan............................................................... 7
Phase 1: Establishment .................................................................. 7
Phase 2: Service Implementation ................................................. 7
Phase 3: Job Placement & Housing Solutions ............................ 7
8. Implement Action Plan ............................................................... 7
8.1 Shelter Opening & Services .................................................... 7
8.2 Community Programs............................................................. 8
9. Evaluate Results of Actions ........................................................ 8
10. Reflect and Regroup .................................................................. 8
Challenges Faced: .......................................................................... 8
Future Plans: ................................................................................... 8
Conclusion......................................................................................... 9

Community Development Report

Introduction
Homelessness is a critical issue in Pakistan, affecting thousands of people across major cities. Individuals and families
experiencing homelessness face challenges such as lack of food, shelter, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Our
team has come together to address this issue through the establishment of a community-driven homeless shelter that
will provide short-term relief while working towards long-term rehabilitation and social reintegration.

This report outlines the 10-step community development process we followed to create an impactful and sustainable
solution for Pakistan’s homeless population.

1. Learn About the Community

Understanding the community was the first and most crucial step. We conducted research through various methods:

1.1 Research and Data Collection

• We studied reports from organizations such as Edhi Foundation, Saylani Welfare Trust, and government
social welfare departments to understand the scope of homelessness.
• We analyzed census data, NGO reports, and case studies to determine the estimated number of homeless
individuals in different cities.

1.2 Field Visits

• Our team visited areas with high homelessness rates, such as Lahore’s railway stations, Karachi’s slums, and
Islamabad’s underpasses.
• We observed living conditions and identified key survival challenges, including food insecurity, lack of sanitation,
and harsh weather conditions.

1.3 Identifying the Root Causes

Through our research and visits, we found that homelessness in Pakistan is caused by:

• Economic factors: Unemployment, inflation, and lack of affordable housing.

• Social issues: Domestic abuse, displacement due to conflicts, and family breakdowns.
• Natural disasters: Floods and earthquakes often leave many people homeless.

2. Listen to Community Members

To develop a meaningful and effective shelter, we engaged with different community members.
2.1 Direct Conversations with Homeless Individuals

We conducted informal interviews at local shelters, mosques, and roadside camps to understand their needs. Many
expressed concerns about:

• Safety, especially for women and children.

• Job opportunities and skills training.
• Mental and physical health support.

2.2 Discussions with NGOs and Volunteers

We met with representatives from Edhi Homes, Chhipa Welfare, and local mosque committees to gather insights
on existing shelter models and challenges in providing aid.

2.3 Community Feedback

We also interacted with local business owners and shopkeepers to understand their views on the homeless population and
their willingness to support a shelter initiative.

3. Bring People Together to Develop a Shared Vision

Once we had a strong understanding of the issue, we brought together different stakeholders to create a shared vision.

3.1 Community Meetings

We organized a series of community meetings with:

• Government representatives from the Social Welfare Department.

• Local philanthropists and business owners.
• Religious leaders who run charitable programs.
• Healthcare professionals who provide free medical checkups.

3.2 Defining Our Vision

Through these discussions, we developed the following vision statement:

"To establish a safe, rehabilitative, and resourceful shelter for Pakistan’s homeless population, providing
basic needs, medical care, job training, and reintegration opportunities."
4. Assess Community Assets and Resources, Needs and
Issues
A thorough asset and needs assessment helped us identify resources that could be used and gaps that needed to be
filled.

4.1 Identified Community Assets

• Government support: We found that the government provides land grants for welfare projects.
• Existing shelters: Collaboration with local NGOs could provide additional resources.
• Volunteer networks: Many university students and professionals were willing to volunteer.
• Donations & CSR funding: Large businesses were open to funding such initiatives under corporate social
responsibility (CSR).

4.2 Key Needs & Issues

• Land or building: Finding a permanent space for the shelter.

• Funding: Sustainable financial support for operations.
• Medical services: Regular access to healthcare.
• Employment programs: Training and job placement for long-term stability.

5. Help Community Members Recognize and Articulate Areas

of Concern
We conducted awareness campaigns to educate the public about homelessness. These included:

• Social media campaigns to reduce stigma.

• Community events to involve residents in discussions.
• Engagement with businesses to encourage job opportunities for homeless individuals.

6. Establish a ‘Vehicle of Change’

To formalize our project, we registered our initiative as a nonprofit organization called:
"Safe Haven Shelter Pakistan"

6.1 Organizational Structure

• Project Director: Oversees all operations.

• Finance Team: Manages donations and expenses.
• Operations Team: Runs the shelter, food distribution, and training.
• Healthcare Team: Coordinates medical support.
• Community Engagement Team: Handles outreach programs.

7. Develop an Action Plan

A detailed action plan was developed with the following steps:

Phase 1: Establishment

• Secure land and renovate or construct shelter facilities.

• Set up partnerships with local NGOs and donors.

Phase 2: Service Implementation

• Provide daily meals, hygiene kits, and medical checkups.

• Develop skill training programs in carpentry, tailoring, and digital skills.

Phase 3: Job Placement & Housing Solutions

• Partner with businesses for employment opportunities.

• Assist homeless individuals in finding affordable housing.

8. Implement Action Plan

8.1 Shelter Opening & Services

• A building in Lahore was secured and renovated.

• 100 beds were set up in dormitory-style arrangements.
• A kitchen & dining area was built to provide three meals a day.
8.2 Community Programs

• Health camps were conducted every two weeks.

• Job fairs connected shelter residents with employers.

9. Evaluate Results of Actions

Evaluation was done through:

• Surveys & feedback sessions with residents.

• Employment tracking to measure job placements.
• Financial audits to ensure transparency.

Key Successes:

• 250+ people received shelter within 6 months.

• 50+ individuals placed in jobs.
• Strong partnerships with 10+ businesses and NGOs.

10. Reflect and Regroup

Challenges Faced:

• Limited funding led to temporary shortages in food supplies.

• Finding permanent housing for homeless individuals remained difficult.

Future Plans:

• Expand shelters to Karachi and Islamabad.

• Develop low-cost housing projects in partnership with the government.
• Secure long-term funding through international NGOs and CSR programs.
Conclusion
Our team successfully launched Safe Haven Shelter Pakistan, providing a holistic solution to homelessness.
Through collaboration with the community, businesses, and government, we have built a sustainable model that offers
both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for homeless individuals.

By continuing to scale and refine our project, we aim to create a future where no one in Pakistan is forced to sleep
on the streets.