Abstract:
This study explore a unique side of the homeless people with their
requirement of the basic needs and the struggles they face to accomplish their needs.
This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in one of the marginal areas
of Colombo – Thotalanga. This is a significant area for such research since many
homeless people can be encountered in the area. Two groups were selected for the
study – a) 50 people were selected for the questionnaire survey among the public from
Thotalanga using purposive sampling method; b) 50 vagrant people were chosen by
snowball sampling method for the interview. Overall information was collected from
100 persons. The society’s perspective of homeless community is low and
disappointing. Very few people are ready to help the poor with their basic needs.
According to the homeless people’s statements, they struggle a lot and neglected by
the society often in many ways. As a recommendation from the study, there needs to
be more effective coordination of services across ministries and departments by
providing housing models, temporary tents, mental health and sanitization facilities
support, education and food.
