FROM STRUGGLE TO STABILITY: UNDERSTANDING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF HOMELESSNESS IN INDIA

Homelessness is a very important issue that is continuing to plague societies across the world. India, with a population of over 1.3 billion people has not been an exception. There have been significant challenges being faced while addressing the issue and the consequences are indeed far-reaching. This research paper delves into the complex relationship between homelessness and macroeconomics in our country which also seeks to understand the underlying causes, demographic patterns, and the economic impact of this social issue. The research aims at an in-depth examination of the background of homelessness in the country which also highlights the multifaceted nature of the issue and the multiple social, economic, and policy factors that contribute to its prevalence. The problem statement aims to uncover the causes, consequences, and scale of homelessness around the country, therefore, providing quite an understanding to develop effective policy interventions. The objectives of the study revolve around the patterns and trends of homelessness around the country, which also examines the social and economic factors contributing to homelessness and quantifies the economic impact on the macroeconomy precisely in the GDP and the rates of employment. The study also evaluates the current policies and their outcomes in addressing homelessness. A mixed method approach has been implemented to achieve the aforementioned objectives wherein both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods are employed. Survey reports share quantitative data to assist with the estimation of the scale of homelessness and assess its long-lasting impact on GDP growth. The empirical findings have revealed a substantial disparity in the rates as dissipated between urban and rural areas. There has also been an emphasis on