Homelessness in mental illness: Opportunities & prospects in the Indian context

•Homelessness is a mounting public health concern across globe.•There is a bidirectional relationship between homelessness and mental illness.•Recent legislations relevant to mental health in India have focused on rights to shelter and housing.•Governmental schemes and non-governmental initiatives provide opportunities in this context Homelessness is considered a serious public health concern. Bidirectional relationship has been established between homelessness and mental illness by research studies and its association with compromised well-being, poor quality of life and low productivity. Recent legislative enactments in India have necessitated on the part of the state to address issues related to the rights of persons with mental illness including shelter and housing. Therefore, it becomes imperative to discuss opportunities and prospects in India towards rehabilitating homeless mentally ill in context of existing programs, policies and legislations.