Habitat for Humanity India and The UPS Foundation partnership supports

Irula families with decent shelter in Kancheepuram 

  • Five families belonging to the Irula tribal partnered with Habitat for Humanity India to build new homes for themselves in Madhura Mottur village, Padappai block, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu in a project supported by The UPS Foundation.
  • More than 200 employees of UPS contributed to the construction of the homes through ‘Habitat Build’; a unique employee volunteering programme of Habitat for Humanity. 

Chennai, 24th March 2026: Habitat for Humanity India, a leading housing non-profit organisation in partnership with The UPS Foundation, has completed a housing project supporting five families from the Irula tribal community in Madhura Mottur village, Padappai block, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu.

The completion was marked by a handover ceremony attended by Dr. Subramani Ramakrishnan, Vice President of UPS Information Technology Centre, Chennai, Mrs. Suprita Tambe, Senior Director – Resource Development, Habitat for Humanity India, along with representatives from both organisations, homeowners and members of the local community celebrating the beginning of safer and more stable futures for the families.

Each of the five homes has been designed to include a hall, bedroom, kitchen and sanitation unit, providing families with safer and dignified living conditions. Improved housing and access to sanitation facilities are expected to support better hygiene practices and greater stability for the families.

A key highlight of the initiative was a series of five ’volunteer builds’ – a unique employee volunteering programme of Habitat for Humanity - that brought together more than 200 employees of UPS between August 2025 and January 2026. The builds began in August 2025, with 35 employees laying the foundation, followed by 40 employees in September who supported raising the walls. In November, 35 employees further advanced the construction, while 44 employees contributed in December. The final build in January 2026 saw 50 employees come together to paint and add finishing touches, helping bring the homes to completion.

Sharing his thoughts on the project, Dr. Subramani Ramakrishnan shared, “The UPS Foundation's mission is to deliver pathways to empower resilient, safe and healthy communities. We believe that access to safe and adequate housing is fundamental to building stronger and more resilient communities. Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity India, we are proud to work alongside these families as they build homes for a safer and more stable future. The active involvement of our employees through the volunteer builds affirms our belief that service is in our DNA and shows how we deliver what matters by inspiring and mobilising our people to create impact in the communities where we live and work.”

Sharing his thoughts on the project, Mr. Anand Kumar Bolimera, National Director, Habitat for Humanity India said, “At Habitat for Humanity India, we believe that safe and decent housing provides families with a strong foundation to build better futures. This project, in partnership with The UPS Foundation, brought together families, local communities and UPS employees in a shared effort to build homes that offer greater safety, stability and dignity. We are grateful for the support of UPS and active participation of their employees in helping make this initiative possible.”

This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when purpose-driven partnerships and community participation come together. Through the collaboration between Habitat for Humanity India and The UPS Foundation, along with the active involvement of UPS employees, families in Madhura Mottur village have been able to build homes that offer greater safety, stability and dignity.

 About Habitat for Humanity India

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity India began in 1983 as a grassroots effort. The housing organisation has since grown to become a leading housing nonprofit that has helped over tens of thousands of families in India build or improve a place they can call home. Through its housing, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and housing disaster resilience and response programmes, Habitat for Humanity India has positively impacted the lives of over 7.8 million people across the country. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.

To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.habitatindia.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Ritwik Sawant, Director – Communications, Habitat for Humanity India
Email: [email protected]