When floodwaters surged into the low-lying tea garden communities of Dhubri and the riverine settlements of Barpeta in Assam families were caught off guard. Roofs collapsed. Walls gave way. Lives changed in a matter of hours. For many, all that remained was the will to survive —and the hope that help would come.

In the weeks and months that followed, Habitat for Humanity India, with support from Texas Instruments, launched a targeted disaster response initiative. The goal was clear: to help the most vulnerable families recover and rebuild with dignity.

Through this partnership, 329 Emergency Shelter Kits (ESKs) were distributed across Barpeta and Dhubri districts. Each kit contained essential tools and materials — including a tarpaulin, rope, tie wire, hammer, nails, washers, a hoe, plastic sheet and hand saw — enabling families to patch leaking roofs, reinforce damaged walls and reclaim a sense of normalcy.

“The shelter kit has been of great help to us. We could not have afforded it on our own. The tarpaulin protected our livestock during the rain. My son Deepak, a carpenter, now uses the handsaw for his work. We even used the wire and pliers to repair our bamboo walls.” — Priyabala Mondal, Barpeta, Assam.

In Kerala, these efforts were extended to support families affected by heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides. 697 families across Panamaram, Edavaka, Kottathara villages and the suburbs of Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery Taluka in Wayanad district received shelter kits.

“We struggled a lot during the monsoon. Our house was badly damaged and water leaked from every corner. We often had to shift our sleeping positions just to stay dry. We were anxious about how we would raise even ₹8,000 for repairs before the rains began. The tarpaulin sheet, rope and other materials helped us fix our home and prepare for the next monsoon. It was an unexpected gift — and a huge support.” — Ms Susheela, Irula Tribal Colony, Wayanad, Kerala

These shelter kits are designed for immediate repair of damaged homes, especially roofs and side walls. They not only ensure safety during emergencies but also enhance community preparedness in regions prone to extreme weather events.

In Tamil Nadu, in response to Cyclone Fengal, Habitat supported 1,206 families, impacting over 6,000 individuals across Villupuram district. The intervention reached some of the most marginalised communities, including the Irula tribal community across Koliyanur, Vikravandi, Thiruvennai Nallur, Kandamangalam and Kanai blocks.

This wasn’t just about materials. It was about restoring dignity, renewing hope and showing families that they are not alone in times of crisis.