In Aakera, Haryana, a family once bound by hardship now embraces a new chapter of hope. For years, Komal (22) and Manish (20) faced the harsh realities of life, shouldering burdens far beyond their years. Childhood games and dreams were swapped for the harsh responsibilities of family care. Along with their mother Ram Dei, they faced each day with courage, striving to overcome financial hardship and the challenges of living in inadequate housing.

Thirteen years ago, tragedy struck when Ram Dei’s husband, Shamsher, passed away. From that moment, the family’s struggles multiplied.

“It was a tough time. I had to balance work and studies, but the financial burden forced me to choose earning a living. It was heartbreaking to leave school, but I had to support my family,” Manish recalls. Komal shared her own sacrifices, saying, “I had to give up my education to take care of my mother and the household. It was difficult, but it was necessary.”

Their home, a single dilapidated room, lacked basic amenities and suffered from severe waterlogging during monsoons. “We had no privacy, no security. The condition of the house was always a source of stress,” Komal explained. But this relentless cycle of hardship was about to change.

In 2024, their lives were transformed when Habitat for Humanity India, helped them build a new home. This partnership was a lifeline for the family. The safe, secure home equipped with a living room, bedroom, kitchen, toilet and bathroom became their gateway to a better future. “

It feels like a dream,” Manish says with a mixture of disbelief and joy. “We never thought we would own a home like this. It is a new reality now. I am excited to have my own room, where I can relax and study when I return to school in the future.”

“Our old home was making us sick. Before, every rupee we earned went towards fixing the roof, replacing broken window or dealing with the constant fear of flooding. It was a never-ending cycle. The dampness, the mould. It always affected our health. Now, with proper ventilation and a healthy living environment, we feel so much better. We have more money to save and invest in our future. My brother can focus on his work without the constant worry about our living conditions. And I can finally think about starting my own small business,” Komal shares.

The spacious home has brought them the privacy they longed for, with each member of the family now able to enjoy their own space. The family is no longer trapped in a cycle of poverty. Their new home is not just a physical shelter, but a foundation for a brighter future. The once constant struggles of survival are now replaced by moments of joy.