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Short abstract:

A Chennai, India (2021-2023) qualitative study posits homeless people's survival strategies in alternative dwelling spaces challenging mainstream narratives. This aligns with the panel's emphasis on diverse urban knowledge practices & the need to prioritise homeless concerns in both policy & praxis.

Long abstract:

In urban and rural landscapes, homelessness persists as a complex challenge. This study delves into the lived experiences of individuals without stable housing, shedding light on their alternative knowledge practices in the context of homemaking and place-making within the city. This qualitative study, conducted in Chennai from 2021 to 2023, involved sixty homeless individuals through a demographic survey, 16 in-depth interviews, and continuous engagement via focus group discussions, dialogues, and participant observation.

Amidst inclement weather and pandemics prompting the state's directive to 'stay at home,' this research challenges existing narratives surrounding homelessness. We acknowledge that some individuals and families, despite their homeless status, manage to build support systems and find innovative solutions to living on the streets, prompting the question of whether homeless people are truly homeless or houseless.

Our argument suggests that homeless individuals navigate the blurred lines between place-making and homemaking, challenging the monolithic identity attributed to them. Through creative strategies for survival, resilience, and community-building, they contribute to alternative notions of dwelling spaces, offering a unique perspective to the discourse on urban knowledge practices. Furthermore, it engages with the entanglements and tensions between mainstream perspectives on homelessness and the diverse experiences of those lacking stable housing. We underscore the intersectionality of homelessness and alternative knowledge practices, and diverse ways of knowing. This study supports a multi-axial consolidation of homeless priorities to improve policy, services, and research, contributing to the broader discussion on alternative urban knowledge practices.