April 12, 2024 •

# Homeless Outreach & Food Distribution 2024

## The Challenge

An estimated 8,000–10,000 people live on the streets of Colombo alone, with growing numbers after the 2022 economic crisis. They face hunger, lack of sanitation, and police evictions. Existing shelters are overcrowded, and many homeless individuals are reluctant to enter due to safety or substance use issues. No consistent night-time meal service exists beyond Pettah’s railway station.

## Our Impact

Our mobile outreach vans operate 7 nights a week in 4 high-need zones (Pettah, Fort, Maradana, Bambalapitiya). In the past 12 months:

- Served 60,000+ hot dinners (rice, curry, egg, and a fruit) to 500+ unique individuals per night.
- Distributed 4,000 hygiene packs (soap, toothbrush, sanitary pads, bandages) and 2,000 raincoats.
- Connected 180 chronically homeless individuals to government shelters, with 75 successfully transitioning into transitional housing.
- Launched “Street Health Corner” twice monthly, providing basic wound care and mental health first aid to 300 people.
- Reduced self-reported hunger-related illness by 50% among regular recipients.