Sat Oct 11 19:11:13 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article, formatted for clarity and impact:

**Summary:**

A report from The Hindu in Chennai, India, highlights the insufficient shelter provided for the city’s large homeless population ahead of the northeast monsoon season. While the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has identified 13,000 homeless individuals, only a small fraction (1,200) are housed in existing shelters. This leaves thousands vulnerable to health risks, particularly infants and the elderly, as they sleep without adequate cover. NGOs and residents are being urged to help address the issue. Concerns about losing work, family separation within shelters, and displacement due to construction projects contribute to the reluctance of some homeless individuals to utilize available facilities. The GCC plans to establish temporary relief centers during the monsoon season.

**News Article:**

**Chennai’s Homeless Face Peril as Monsoon Nears; Shelters Fall Short**

**CHENNAI, INDIA – October 12, 2025** – As the northeast monsoon season looms, concerns are mounting over the plight of Chennai’s homeless population, with reports indicating a severe shortfall in available shelter. A report by The Hindu reveals that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has identified approximately 13,000 homeless individuals, yet only a meager 1,200 are currently housed in the city’s 48 designated shelters.

This stark disparity leaves thousands of vulnerable residents, including infants and the elderly, exposed to significant health risks as they sleep without blankets and protection from the elements. The situation is particularly dire given the impending monsoon, which brings with it the threat of fever, respiratory infections, and other illnesses exacerbated by dampness and exposure.

“Sleeping without any cover during the monsoon exposes people to continuous rain and dampness, leading to severe health risks… The risk is higher for infants, the elderly, and persons with pre-existing health conditions,” said Vanessa Peter, founder of IRCDUC.

The GCC is urging non-governmental organizations, residents’ associations, councillors, and officials to raise awareness and assist in ensuring the safety of homeless residents.

According to the IRCDUC, a recent survey found that 48% of the city’s street-dwelling individuals sleep without any covers and only 8% of them are willing to use the shelters. One major barrier is a reluctance to separate families, as the GCC’s shelters often house women and men separately. Furthermore, some fear losing their livelihoods and freedom if they enter the shelter system.

“We have requested to move to a shelter during the rains,” said R. Manonmani, a homeless woman who stays in Royapettah.

Adding to the challenge, families in areas such as near the Rohini theatre, who depend on street performance for their livelihood, face displacement due to upcoming construction projects, as they have been asked to vacate the place before Deepavali.

GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran has announced plans to establish over 200 relief centers during the monsoon season. “The GCC will set up over 200 relief centres. These will provide shelter for them during the rain,” he said.

While these temporary measures may provide some respite, advocates emphasize the urgent need for more comprehensive and long-term solutions to address the systemic issues contributing to homelessness in Chennai.

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