Overview

Saath Charitable Trust adopts an Integrated Area Development approach to ensure the holistic transformation of urban poor communities. This model addresses multiple, interconnected aspects of deprivation—livelihood, health, education, housing, infrastructure, and governance—within a defined geographic area. By working closely with local residents, community leaders, and government agencies, Saath ensures that interventions are need-based, participatory, and sustainable. The approach focuses on empowering communities to take ownership of their development through capacity building, access to services, and creation of inclusive platforms. Over time, this has helped transform underserved neighborhoods into vibrant, self-reliant communities.

The Integrated Area Development (IAD) is a pioneering model of urban transformation that evolved from Slum Networking Project implemented in Ahmedabad. The model redefines slum development by treating residents as empowered partners, not passive recipients of aid.

IAD is built on a collaborative approach, involving the municipality, local communities, NGOs, and the corporate sector. Each stakeholder contributes—municipalities provide basic infrastructure, communities ensure implementation and maintenance, NGOs act as facilitators, and corporates offer support through CSR.

This inclusive model strengthens mutual trust and encourages slum dwellers to actively participate in shaping their own future. In return for stability and respect, residents contribute time, effort, and resources to improve their living conditions.

Unlike conventional approaches, IAD extends beyond infrastructure—investing in education, health, and governance participation to support holistic development and community resilience.

It aims to build not just better homes, but stronger communities with dignity, self-reliance, and a sense of ownership, ensuring long-term sustainability and social equity in urban development.

IAD stands as a successful example of co-creation, where slum improvement becomes a shared mission—uplifting lives while strengthening the fabric of the entire city.

About URC

At Saath, we’ve always believed that development must be inclusive—and that means centering the lives and voices of those who are often left out. Most marginalized communities, especially those living in slums or slum-like conditions, face persistent challenges: poor environmental quality, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to services, social exclusion, and insecurity. These aren’t just issues—they are barriers to living a life of dignity and opportunity.

From the beginning, our commitment has been clear: to create platforms and provide meaningful support so that the marginalized urban communities can access the services, recognition, and security they deserve.

Our Urban Resource Centre is one such approach to ensure that we are committed to our objective and available for the people from the community to provide assistance

Saath Charitable Trust believes that true transformation in urban poor communities stems from collaboration, not charity. Their area-based development model involves partnerships with governments, NGOs, communities, and the private sector.

The Slum Networking Project (SNP) in Ahmedabad is a prime example of this model. By combining efforts from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, residents, NGOs, and CSR groups, the initiative focused on infrastructure and community empowerment. Residents became active contributors, shifting from welfare recipients to stakeholders.

Building on SNP's success, Saath initiated the Vatva Area Development Alliance (VADA), a network of 25 NGOs working together to tackle complex urban issues like water, sanitation, drainage, and early childhood care through Anganwadis and mobile services.

Through trust, shared responsibility, and local governance engagement, Saath helps turn marginalized areas into resilient, inclusive, and dignified communities with real opportunities for all.