Whilst generally Community Aid Abroad assistance in India goes to groups in rural areas, where the problems of poverty have often originated, our support for YUVA is important in addressing issues of urban poverty. The Project YUVA's approach is one of continual dialogue with the slum dwellers of Jogeshwari through social workers and activists based in the slums. This process of community consultation and discussion identifies important issues which are perpetuating poverty and lack of rights and raises awareness that through joint action it is possible to improve the lives of many slum dwellers. YUVA also works at a policy and advocacy level and in particular concentrates on lobbying the Bombay Municipal Corporation which controls the slums. Allocation of resources and changes in policy have been effected through constant lobbying and community action.
Housing is a major issue.
Half the population of Jogeshwari have settled there before 1980, mostly around the railway station. These colonies have been recognised under the Slum Area Act and at least have basic amenities, but the more distant colonies started after 1980 are deprived and face greater insecurity. After a long struggle by YUVA and the community 100,000 people have gained the right to housing in these colonies. The struggle for basic amenities is ongoing. The people of Sanjay Gandhi Nagar are lobbying the Corporation for toilets in their colony.