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 responsibility 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. Manish had to drop out of school and work as a daily wage labourer to support them, while Komal gave up her education to manage the household and care for their ailing mother.
“It was a tough time,” Manish recalled. “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,” he adds. 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. The absence of privacy and security weighed heavily on their daily lives.
“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, with support from Max Estates, 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’s a new reality now. I am excited to have my own room, where I can relax and study.”
For the first time in years, they no longer needed to spend every rupee into fixing a crumbling roof or dealing with the threat of flooding. The new home allowed them to save and invest in their future.
“Our old home was making us sick,” Komal shares. “Before, every rupee we earned went towards fixing the roof, replacing broken windows, 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 adds.
The spacious home has brought them the privacy they longed for, with each member of the family now able to enjoy their own space.
“I cannot believe we have our own rooms now,” Manish says, his voice filled with gratitude. “It’s a feeling of freedom and privacy I have never experienced before.”
Komal, beaming with happiness, says, “Our new home is so spacious and beautiful. I am excited to decorate it and make it our own. I finally have a proper kitchen and bathroom. I cannot wait to invite our friends and family over and show them our new home.”
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 days of cramped, unhealthy living are behind them. The home, with its spacious rooms and welcoming atmosphere, has become a center of festivity. Their family celebrations, such as Holi and Diwali, are now filled with joy and warmth — without the weight of financial worry or overcrowding.
The once constant struggles of survival are now replaced by moments of joy. Manish can spend time with his nephew and Komal can enjoy her hobbies like gardening and reading in a comfortable environment.
The generous support of Max Estates has enabled Habitat for Humanity India to build safe and dignified homes for 50 poor and marginalised families in Aakera and Budhla villages of Rewari district in Haryana who were earlier living in vulnerable 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 another 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.
