Republic Hostel and Mess, Sayan, Surat
SSF’s first pilot project, a workers’ hostel for single male migrants working in the powerloom industry, was launched in October 2023 in partnership with Aajeevika Bureau Trust and Pravasi Shramik Suraksha Manch. The hostel is designed to provide good quality accommodation and food to 160 workers while also catering as a mess to another 250 workers.
What we did
SSF has retrofitted part of a large mixed-use building owned by a local landlord into a workers’ hostel. Facilities include:
- three dormitory halls with bunk-beds and individual storage lockers
- well-maintained and ventilated sanitation block for each dormitory hall
- a mess that provides two meals a day
- a dining area which doubles up as a TV room and space for communal activities
- filtered cold drinking water
- security and fire safety measures
- daily operations and management by a team of two facility managers
Feedback on RHM
In a survey of our tenants at RHM in July 2024, we received some excellent feedback on our facility. Some highlights on levels of satisfaction with various aspects are presented below, along with some quotes from the interviews.
“I come back from work, eat well and sleep in peace. Just like my village home, living here is convenient, especially after a 12 hour long work shift.”
Mangalu, 50 years. Has been living at RHM for 17 months
“I like everything here. Our belongings are safe here. I like that. I never had my own locker in the previous housing.”
Litu, 42 years. Has been living at RHM for 20 months
A Few Glimpses of the Republic Hostel and Mess
Our Partners in the Project
A unique initiative to provide more nutritious food
Early in 2025, we created a fund-raising campaign on Give India to provide more nutritious food to our tenants. The idea was to provide at least one egg a day to each worker – as eggs are known to have a combination of nutrients that promote health and help build strength. As of August 2025, through this campaign and via individual donors, we raised more than ₹2.8 lakh, and are implementing the program using these funds.
You can see the campaign, and donate to it here – https://give.do/fundraisers/help-sheltersquare-foundation-provide-more-nutritious-food-to-migrant-workers-in-surat