Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Urja Trust Builds Safe Shelters for Homeless Young Women
Urja Trust helps young women who have lost their homes or faced violence.
Some women leave because of abuse, family changes, unsafe conditions or trafficking.
Many arrive in Mumbai without a safe place to stay.
The trust first gives them a crisis shelter, health checks and counselling.
This first stay usually lasts 10 to 15 days.
Women who stay longer can receive education and livelihood support for six to nine months.
They may then move to a group home with other women who have similar experiences.
The goal is to help them become safe, stable and independent.
The program also aims to reduce their risk of further violence and trafficking.
Urja Trust was established in 2014 by Altaf Shaikh and Deepali Vandana.
The organization supports women facing homelessness, gender-based violence, abuse and trafficking.
Its three-stage program includes crisis shelters, development shelters and group homes.
Crisis shelter stays typically last 10 to 15 days, with longer stays when health checks continue.
Development shelters support education, livelihoods and stability for six to nine months, followed by preparation for independent living.
- Who
- Urja Trust, founded by Altaf Shaikh and Deepali Vandana, supports women experiencing homelessness and gender-based violence.
- What
- It provides a three-stage shelter program offering crisis support, development assistance and preparation for independent living.
- When
- Urja Trust was established in 2014; crisis stays generally last 10 to 15 days and development stays six to nine months.
- Where
- The organization supports women arriving in Mumbai from different parts of the country.
- Why
- It was created to continue support for homeless women and provide safety to women facing violence, trafficking and homelessness.
- Organization
- Urja Trust
- Founded
- 2014
- Founders
- Altaf Shaikh and Deepali Vandana
- Crisis shelter
- Typically 10 to 15 days, or longer when health checks continue
- Development shelter
- Six to nine months, depending on progress
- Program stages
- Crisis shelter, development shelter and group home
- Contact
- 9819806266