When Dr. Sohan Lal Koul my scholar friend,recently remarked, “America isn’t as remarkable as you think—why glorify it?” I paused. His words weren’t just a challenge—they were a mirror. I had often spoken of the United States with the wonder many of us inherit, as though its streets were inevitably paved with opportunity. But I promised him then: I would soon offer the other side of the coin.
Around the same time, the World Happiness Index revealed a compelling truth—America’s rank had slipped noticeably. That sparked something deeper in me. Here in Kashmir, we’ve long understood what really matters. To hold a roof over one’s head—to have a place to call home—is not just comfort, it’s the essence of dignity. Other things are secondary. This we say ” Saire waaw tchali Adam daie waaw ne”
So I turned my gaze westward—not to romanticize, but to investigate. I asked: what is the situation of housing in a country like America? What I found was startling. And I felt it worth sharing with you all.
Homelessness: A Global Challenge with Universal Lessons.
Homelessness, often considered an issue confined to developing nations, is alarmingly prevalent in developed countries as well. The recent data from the United States reveals a stark reality: over 771,000 people—23 out of every 10,000 Americans—experienced homelessness in January 2024, an 18% increase from the previous year. Such figures challenge the perception of prosperity and progress often associated with wealthier nations, highlighting the gaps in their ability to provide safety and stability for all citizens.
The Stark Reality in the U.S.
The sharp 32.5% rise in homelessness in the U.S. since 2022 underscores systemic failings in managing affordable housing, equitable healthcare access, and living wages. Among those affected, marginalized groups bear a disproportionate burden. For instance, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders experienced homelessness rates over six times higher than the national average in 2024. Black and Hispanic communities, though forming smaller percentages of the national population, also accounted for a disproportionately large share of the homeless population.
Further complicating the issue is the difficulty in accurately counting the homeless. Current methods, like the point-in-time counts conducted annually in January, often miss individuals living in cars, temporary arrangements, or rural areas with inadequate infrastructure. As a result, the true extent of homelessness might be far greater than the official statistics suggest.
Solutions for Developed Nations
Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach. Proven methods like the Housing First model, which prioritizes providing permanent shelter without preconditions, have shown significant success in countries like Finland. Coupled with initiatives to develop affordable housing, integrate healthcare and job training, and improve data collection techniques, such approaches can create lasting change.
Innovative solutions, such as repurposing decommissioned buses into shelters or constructing modular homes, can provide immediate relief, while policy reforms addressing rent control, wage stagnation, and social safety nets tackle the root causes of homelessness. Community-driven programs and public-private partnerships also play a critical role in empowering individuals to regain stability. Let’s have a look on home front in comparison.
India’s Own Strides: The Awas Yojanas
While developed nations grapple with homelessness, India offers a unique perspective through its long-running efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Launched in 2015 with a vision of “Housing for All,” PMAY has achieved notable success, delivering over 88.22 lakh homes under its urban component and ensuring inclusivity by prioritizing economically weaker sections, women, and marginalized groups.
However, challenges persist. Land scarcity, particularly in urban areas, delays project completion, while houses built on city fringes often lack adequate infrastructure and connectivity. In some cases, quality concerns and exclusion errors in identifying beneficiaries have undermined the scheme’s impact. That is a separate issue.
Bridging the Gaps
Learning from both India’s successes and the challenges faced by developed nations, several steps can enhance the effectiveness of housing initiatives globally:
- Integrated Development: Housing projects must be paired with infrastructure for education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
- Innovative Funding and Land Use: Incentives for private developers and innovative use of urban land can address shortages.
- Efficient Processes: Digitizing approval systems and streamlining land acquisition can reduce delays.
- Regular Monitoring: Ensuring quality through stricter checks and engaging local communities in oversight can improve outcomes.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Accurate and inclusive data collection can ensure resources are directed to those most in need.
A Universal Call to Action
The data on homelessness, whether from the U.S. or India, underscores a universal truth: the worth of a society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable members. Homelessness is not an inevitable condition but a result of systemic gaps and policy failures. By addressing these gaps with compassion, innovation, and inclusivity, nations can create a future where everyone has a place to call home.
This stark juxtaposition of developed nations struggling with homelessness and India’s proactive housing initiatives offers invaluable lessons for the world. It reminds us that the journey toward equity and dignity begins with a roof over one’s head—a basic human right that every society must prioritize. That is why the Supreme Court of India in a landmark judgement said ” A house is not just a property it is the shelter of the whole family …..The powerful reflection on the sanctity of home and shelter was ” The construction of a house has an aspect of socio-economic rights. foe’r an average citizen,the construction of a house is often the culmination of years of hard work,dreams,and aspirations ” How lucky we are than those of dreamers who spent their lives wandering to get a space for resting in developed countries.
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