Payyannur: After spending 8 years living on the streets near the Payyannur New Bus Stand in Kannur, Dora, Panchami and their six children are finally moving into a safe temporary home, bringing an end to years of uncertainty and hardship.

The family will shift to a house in Ambalathara on Tuesday, following an initiative by the Payyannur Municipality and Municipal Chairperson Sarin Shashi.

For years, the family's livelihood depended on collecting recyclable waste and sweeping shops in the town. With no permanent home of their own, they lived in a makeshift shelter on the steps of a commercial building, enduring the daily challenges and insecurity of life on the streets.

In addition to raising their own five children, the couple also cares for their late younger sister's daughter, whom they have brought up as their own.

Street life came with constant fear. The parents often stayed awake through the night to ensure their children's safety. Despite these challenges, they prioritised their children's education. Two of the children are studying in Thalassery, two attend St Mary's School in Punchakkad, while the two youngest are enrolled at the nearby Anganwadi. The children studying in Thalassery are also expected to join the family at their new home.

Although the accommodation is temporary, the family says it offers something they have long been without — a secure place to live and the hope of a more stable future.

Calling the move more than just a change of address, Chairperson Sarin Shashi said it was also an opportunity to open the door to a better future for the six children.

He said the temporary accommodation in Ambalathara was arranged with the support of local well-wishers, the Clap Counselling Clinic and the Perumba Muslim Jama'at Committee.