Project Shelterlane

What if shelters support and transition the homeless into productive citizens?​

Project No: 0E1A

What if every person in Lagos had a safe place to sleep? This project aims to transform underutilized spaces into functional shelters for homeless individuals and street hawkers, offering them stability, dignity, and hope for a better future.

The Problem

Lagos—Nigeria’s economic powerhouse—is also a city of stark contrasts. Amidst its skyscrapers and bustling markets, thousands of people sleep in unsafe conditions: under bridges, on market floors, and in public spaces. These environments expose individuals to health risks, violence, and social exclusion. Meanwhile, numerous buildings across the city sit abandoned, representing missed opportunities to address this crisis.

Our Solution

This project envisions converting abandoned properties into:

  • Safe Shelters: Equipped with sleeping areas, sanitation facilities, and communal spaces for interaction and support.

  • Empowerment Centers: Offering vocational training, mental health counseling, and pathways to employment.

  • Community Hubs: Spaces that foster a sense of belonging and provide a stable foundation for reintegration into society.

“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Our Roadmap

  1. Identify Viable Properties: Conduct a city-wide survey of abandoned or underutilized buildings.

  2. Design Functional Spaces: Create layouts tailored to the needs of diverse groups, ensuring safety and comfort.

  3. Mobilize Resources: Collaborate with NGOs, property owners, and government agencies to fund and implement the project.

Potential Stakeholders

“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.”

Greek Proverb

SIREP Africa