Pooja, a 28-year-old widow and mother of two, lived in a single, cramped room in Aakera village. With no access to a toilet or clean water, daily life was a constant struggle marked by fear, shame and exhaustion. 

Each morning, before the village woke up, Pooja would step out in the dark to relieve herself in the open fields. “I always feared being seen. The risk of harassment was real and it made me anxious every single day,” she recalls softly. With no private space at home, she would bathe in a narrow alley between houses before sunrise, racing against time and judgement. 

Inside their tiny, rented room, life was no easier. Her two sons, Arun (13) and Tarun (15), slept on the only bed while Pooja rested on the cold floor. “My back aches all the time,” she says. “And without a proper door, I constantly worry about our safety.” During heavy rains, water seeped through the roof and walls, forcing them to sleep under a tarpaulin. “The dampness made us all fall sick,” she adds. 

Pooja is a street vendor and sells cosmetics from a small cart in the local market. The irony is not lost on her. “I sell beauty products all day, but I can’t afford to use them. People here frown upon widows trying to look nice.” She earns just enough to scrape by, with ₹2,500 going towards rent and ₹6,000 set aside for her sons’ education — a sacrifice she makes willingly. “I want them to have a better future. That’s all I hope for.” 

Hope came in the form of Habitat for Humanity India. When she heard about the opportunity to build a new home, she filled the form with trembling hands, uncertain of what the future would hold. “When I got the call saying I was selected, it felt like a miracle,” she said, her eyes welling up. 

On 19th November 2024, twenty-five families in Aakera village, Rewari, including Pooja’s, moved one step closer to stability and dignity as they received the keys to their new homes. These homes were built by Habitat for Humanity India in partnership with Max Estates, as part of the first phase of a housing project supporting marginalised communities. Pooja was among the selected homeowners. 

The impact was immediate. “For the first time, I have a place that feels safe. A proper toilet, a sturdy roof and space for my children to study,” she shares. No longer burdened by rent, she has opened a savings account for the future. “I feel secure, like I can finally start planning ahead.” 

Her new home is simple, yet full of life. Curtains hang in the windows; flowerpots brighten the entrance and fairy lights dance on the walls. “I even bought myself a few new clothes,” she laughed. “I watch my favourite shows — Kumkum Bhagya and Kundali Bhagya — in peace, without anyone watching or judging me.” 

The space has brought freedom. Freedom to rest, to work, to dream. “I no longer have to rush through everything before dawn. I can finally breathe. I am truly grateful. This home has given me the strength to look forward to tomorrow,” she says.  

For Pooja, this home is a new foundation. A safe place to raise her children. A symbol of dignity restored. 

The generous support of Max Estates has enabled Habitat for Humanity India to build safe and dignified homes for 50 families in Aakera and Budhla villages of Rewari district in Haryana. These marginalised families were earlier living in poor housing conditions. The project is being implemented in two phases. In the first phase 25 homes have been built in Aakera. The families have moved into their new homes and are building a better future for themselves. The second phase is currently underway in Bhudla village where Habitat India is building homes for 25 families.  

Driven by the vision to build world where everyone has a decent place to live Habitat for Humanity India remains steadfast in its commitment to help families achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter — transforming lives, one home at a time.