VAGRANT COMMUNITY AND THEIR BASIC NEEDS: A CASE STUDY BASED ON THOTALANGA HOMELESS PEOPLE

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.