FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR’S DESK

Dear Friends,

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated individuals and organizations to bring about positive change in the lives of those in need of decent housing and sanitation. Our work with the Irulacommunity in Tamil Nadu is a prime example. For years, the Irula tribals and many tribal communities in Northeast India have been living in inadequate housing conditions, struggling to make ends meet while facing discrimination from the mainstream communities.

On 31^st January, I attended the handing-over program of the 11 new disaster-resilient homes with the Irula community of Chenjanman Nagar, Pazhaverkadu, Tiruvallur district. The new homes come with an outdoor staircase and a rainwater harvesting system - features built-in to mitigate the frequent floods in this coastal community. I met Mr. S. Annadurai, Director of the Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. I was encouraged to learn of the work the Government of Tamil Nadu is doing for the community by providing essential services such as a new 135-meter tarred road connecting the village with the main road, including provisions for running water and support for the community through Self Help Groups. Later, Mr. Annadurai told me his intention to make Pazhaverkadu a model village. The building of 11 new homes is a continuation of the Solid Ground advocacy work we have done collaboratively with the state government, corporate partners and grassroots-level partners.

As we await the announcement of the Union Budget 2023, including the housing sector in the country’s growth agenda is becoming all the more critical. Allocation of resources towards affordable housing will accelerate recovery for thousands of families severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Events like the upcoming 4^th Charity Golf Tournament plays a crucial role in highlighting the need for affordable housing in the country. This tournament allows our supporters to come together and raise funds for our mission. Through these efforts we can make a real and lasting impact in the lives of those in need of decent shelter.

As we look to the future, I hope that we will continue to work with a sense of dedication. Housing is a fundamental human right, and our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has a safe and decent place to call home.

In partnership, Dr. Rajan Samuel Managing Director Habitat for Humanity India

Reena Devi, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Reena Devi, 27, migrated to the slums of JJ Colony Barola, Noida in Uttar Pradesh from Saharsa, Bihar, a year ago after getting married. Her family of five, including her husband and three children, is supported financially by two working members - her husband as a laborer and herself as a cook. Their average monthly income is INR 12,000.

In the past, lack of electricity made it difficult for them to carry out their daily duties. At night, it was unsafe for women to go out and they were confined to their homes. Her children also struggled with their education as they had issues accessing online studies due to the pandemic.

In the autumn of 2022, Habitat for Humanity India partnered with Rockwell Automation to provide sustainable and renewable energy solutions through solar home lighting systems to 355 marginalised families in Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra), Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Tamenglong (Manipur) and Paschim Bardhaman (West Bengal). Reena Devi’s family was among the 52 families in the JJ Colony Barola. Each received a home solar lighting system which includes a charging point, a pedestal fan, a solar battery, a charge controller and LED lights.

“Earlier, our days ended with daylight because we did not have access to electricity. We had to get neighbours' help even to charge our phones. These solar lights are a great help for my family and me since I can do household work and our children study a bit longer. We are really thankful for this support,” says Reena Devi.

Disaster-Resilient Homes in Tamil Nadu

Habitat India handed over 11 new disaster-resilient homes to families belonging to the Irula community of Chenjanman Nagar, Pazhaverkadu, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. Supported by CISCO Systems, the project began in January 2022 with each house of 302 sq. ft. carpet area consisting of one bedroom, hall, kitchen and a staircase. Toilet facilities are built into the house.

Dr. Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity India joined Mr. Annadurai, Director – the Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Tamil Nadu in congratulating the new homeowners. The event was also attended by Mr. K. Samnath, Panchayat President, Pazhaverkadu and Mr. Palanisamy, Village Executive Office.

Habitat India at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2023

On January 15, 2023, the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) returned after a two-year hiatus in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Organised by Procam, the 2023 edition of the TMM saw 50,000 participants from all walks of life. 196 runners from corporate houses and educational institutes such as Teleperformance, Sony Entertainment, Svatantra Micro Housing Finance Corporation, Goldcrest International School, Dhirubhai Ambani International School, and The Cathedral and John Connon School ran to support Habitat’s work. Habitat India's Managing Director, Dr. Rajan Samuel led the staff and volunteers to cheer on the runners at the event.

Groundbreaking for 110 Individual Household Latrines in Tamil Nadu

Habitat for Humanity India is partnering with Mahindra Rural Housing Finance Limited to build 110 Individual Household Latrines for low-income families in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu which will impact approximately 550 individuals. The project aims to give these families access to sanitation. The groundbreaking ceremony was conducted on January 25, 2023.

Mr. K. Ramachandran, Minister for Tourism of Tamil Nadu and the Mahindra team consisting of, Mr. Mahesh Khannan, Area Business Head; Mr. Gokulnathan, Zonal HR Head; Mr. Mohan Kumar, Area Collection Head; Mr. Dhansekhar, Area Collection Head; and Mr. Karuppasamy, Zonal Accounts Head, were the guests at the event.

Green Habitats and Habitat Young Leaders Build

Student volunteers across India are joining the Green Habitats Campaign with an aim to raise awareness and take urgent climate action.

Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur is the latest to join the campaign and has mobilised INR 5,09,308 through 206 donors and 81 Green Champions. We thank the school authorities, the student fraternity and all parents for supporting them in this initiative.

Climate change has far-reaching impacts on the people of the country. However, the millions of families Habitat partners with are often among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which include increasingly common and severe weather events such as cyclones, floods and droughts. These events can result in tragic outcomes for families, including damage to or complete loss of their homes. We believe we have a responsibility to recognize that climate change disproportionately impacts the people we serve, and that to be accountable to them, we must address that impact through resilient housing. Habitat for Humanity India launched its Green Habitats campaign to raise awareness of climate change and to urge youth to take urgent action to preserve a liveable planet's climate.

Click here to know more and take action today

Assam Flood Response Appeal

In the aftermath of the devastating Assam floods, Habitat for Humanity India is distributing Humanitarian Aid Kits (HAKs) to disaster-affected families in Assam with support from local partners and district administrations.

Hundreds of families are still in need of disaster-resilient housing. Habitat for Humanity places the families affected by natural disasters on a path to durable and sustainable shelter solutions in a phase-wise manner through its Pathways to Permanence disaster response strategy.

To donate, visit https://habitatindia.org/campaigns/assam-flood-response-appeal/

To support us through CSR, please get in touch with:
Suprita Tambe (Director – Resource Development Support): [email protected]
Mohan D'souza (Director – Resource Development): [email protected]

4^th Habitat Charity Golf Tournament

Habitat for Humanity India proudly presents the 4^th edition of the Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Save The Date to play your favourite game and help vulnerable people affected by COVID-19 through shelter.

When you play golf with Habitat for Humanity India, everyone wins – each of you and most importantly, the families we work with at the grassroots!

Watch the impact of the past editions of Charity Golf Tournaments here.

Save The Date
Date: Saturday, 4^th February 2023
Venue: Willingdon Sports Club, Mumbai

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