Promoting equitable and dignified housing for workers in the unorganized and informal sector
Why Housing?
Low-income migrant workers in urban and industrial areas face layered vulnerabilities. Research and on-ground experience shows that adequate, secure and affordable housing can be transformative for low-income communities, enhancing their health and well-being, livelihoods and productivity. Housing is also a powerful platform for fostering a sense of community and belonging and for connecting marginalized communities to social programs for their integrated development. However, policy and social impact initiatives are yet to give commensurate attention to housing.
This is where we come in.
Republic Hostel and Mess (RHM)
ShelterSquare Foundation’s first pilot project is the Republic Hostel and Mess (RHM) in Sayan, an industrial suburb of Surat. It was launched in October 2023 in partnership with Aajeevika Bureau Trust and the Pravasi Shramik Suraksha Manch. As of August 2025, RHM is home to about 120 migrants who work in the power looms in the area. After nearly two years of operation we are proud to present our achievements:
RHM: Impacting Health and Productivity
In a survey of our tenants between December 2024 and January 2025, we recorded deep impacts on workers’ health and well-being, that in turn positively impacted their livelihood and productivity.
Our Housing Verticals
ShelterSquare Foundation envisages developing four housing verticals to pursue its mission. Two of them – rental housing and worksite housing are already in pilot phase, in Surat and Ahmedabad, Gujarat, respectively.
