Sambhali Sarai

Sambhali Sarai, currently undergoing renovations and slated to open in the fall of 2024, will be a shelter for women escaping gender-based violence and for members of the LGBTQ+ community facing violence or who have been rejected by their families. Both needs are significant in Jodhpur.

Sarai is a local word for a resting place for caravans or people on their lifelong journeys to rest for a while.

In the past, the space Sambhali had for emergency shelter for women was limited to a small area within the boarding homes, which was not ideal for women and their minor children in stress or for the already busy boarding home girls. There has been no place for members of most members of the LGBTQ+ community who face enormous discrimination. In true Sambhali fashion, the organization will work holistically to help those who seek shelter find a way to reestablish their lives, including providing vocational and educational training when needed.  In addition, Sambhali Sarai will serve as a drop-in center for LGBTQ+ members, and the bottom floor will be a new Empowerment Center and Primary Education Center.