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Wadala, Mumbai

More Than a Shelter: Don Bosco's Lifeline for Mumbai's Marginalised

8 July 2026

BOSCO Out Reach, Marginalized, Young at Risk,

News reported by: Fr Rudolf and Fr Sunil Pinto

Shelter Don Bosco, Wadala, has been run by the Salesians of Don Bosco since 1987. Inspired by St John Bosco's vision, it serves some of society’s most vulnerable people, especially street-connected children, homeless youth, and adults living in neglect, poverty, and social exclusion.

In 1987, Shelter Don Bosco began as an ‘Open Shelter’ for ‘Roofless and Rootless’ youth on the streets of Mumbai, then Bombay. Many earned a living by rag-picking, sorting garbage, and selling material to middlemen. Many boys were addicted to narcotic substances and exposed to the vices of street life. Shelter offered a haven for street youth and an opportunity for holistic rehabilitation. Over the years, programmes such as Street Contact, Drop-in centres, a residential home for children, vocational training, and study classes have enabled Shelter to reach thousands of youths and address their multifaceted needs.

Shelter Don Bosco was previously a ‘Child Care Institute’ for children aged 10 to 18 years. It has now become an ‘After-Care Home’ for young adult orphans aged 18 to 24 years. The change was in response to concerns that many care-leavers from our institute and others in the city faced the harsh realities of the outside world at 18 after growing up in the institute's protective environment. Without the life skills, emotional support, and financial stability they needed, many struggled with independence. As a result, they became vulnerable to negative influences and turned to destructive habits and vices to make ends meet, often neglecting education, skill development, and overall well-being.

The institute’s primary objective is to support young adult orphans in care through programmes and services that nurture their emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being and help them reintegrate into society as responsible, independent adults.

The Shelter also reaches out to destitute young men on the streets of Mumbai who are unemployed, rag pickers, and addicted to sniffing solution, chewing tobacco, and other forms of substance abuse. We empower them through skill training and refer them to de-addiction programmes.

Among the many initiatives undertaken by Shelter Don Bosco, the Monthly Mela is one of the most distinctive and impactful. Held on the 20th of every month, it is specially organised for street youth and adults living in street situations, many of whom are battling substance dependency and prolonged social exclusion. For one day each month, people who are often ignored, rejected, or regarded as a nuisance on the streets are welcomed as honoured guests at Shelter Don Bosco. The Mela creates a space where they can experience acceptance, dignity, joy, and human connection.

Participants have opportunities to attend to their personal hygiene and grooming needs. Many avail themselves of a haircut, shave, bath, and a change of clothes, and visit the medical camp for first aid or other basic medical help that helps restore self-esteem and a sense of dignity.

The Mela then becomes a festive celebration. Participants enjoy music, dancing, entertainment programmes, and fete-style games, where they interact and win prizes. The atmosphere is one of joy and belonging, allowing individuals to experience happiness often absent from their daily lives on the streets. A nutritious lunch is served to all participants, followed by a film screening on a large screen, creating a community experience that many rarely have the opportunity to enjoy.

The uniqueness of the Monthly Mela lies in its holistic approach. While it addresses immediate needs such as food, hygiene, and healthcare, it also builds trust, fosters self-worth, and creates pathways towards rehabilitation and social reintegration. The Mela serves as an important bridge between life on the streets and the support systems available through Shelter Don Bosco and other service providers.

The Shelter also runs 'Bosco Care Centre’, a group home, a few meters away from our main institute, where accommodation and residential facilities are provided to working youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Here they learn to live independently and manage their own finances. Shelter Don Bosco regularly organises training programmes to help them cope with the challenges of the outside world through life skills, financial literacy, soft skills, and more. These youth also contribute in part to the upkeep of the After-Care Home.

Those who complete higher studies or vocational training at the After-Care Home or Care Centre move to rented rooms, where they are initially assisted with grocery supplies and other essential household items for up to 6 months before they learn to live and manage independently.

Shelter Don Bosco continues its mission of accompanying children, youth, and adults living in difficult circumstances. Through residential care, education, counselling, outreach programmes, rehabilitation efforts, and initiatives such as the Monthly Mela, the institution remains committed to restoring hope and creating opportunities for transformation.

The work of Shelter Don Bosco is made possible through the collaboration of dedicated staff, volunteers, professionals, benefactors, and well-wishers who share a common belief that every person deserves respect, opportunity, and a chance to build a better future. In a city where many continue to live unseen on the margins, Shelter Don Bosco strives to be a place where every individual is welcomed, valued, and empowered to begin anew.

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Bastin Nellissery (INK)

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South Asia Chief Editor

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