The Banyan is an organization based in Chennai that works for the cause of homeless persons with mental illness.

We started in the year 1993 as a humane response to a woman in distress – today we have grown into an organization that is taking a lead in catalyzing change for homeless people with mental illness.

Our journey is filled with many stories of courage, joy and life. The essence of our work lies in the beautiful moments of recovery and journey back home that many women who have overcome homelessness and mental illness at The Banyan undertake.

We believe in a life of dignity and happiness for every person – and our larger vision is to ensure this for all marginalized people.

Our smaller steps towards this vision has enabled over 2000 people once homeless and facing mental health issues – not just recover but regain their identity back as a mother, sister, neighbour, working woman…..and a person. Some of them have gone back to their families all over India, while some of them have taken up work and live in a Working Women’s Hostel.

We have close to six projects currently – and this space is to have a conversation with you as we make progress on each of them.

If you would like to know more about us, drop in a line at banyan@thebanyan.org or visit our website at www.thebanyan.org