MUMBAI: “There were times when I wish that if I had vision, I would have a better job and a better life. But we are happy with what God has given us. I sell trinkets in the local train. The money is not much but I try to survive. During the festive season, I perform devotional songs with my friends. This adds to my income. My dream is to give quality education to my children and make them independent. In our new home, I am able to say that I can see my future.” says Balasaheb Shinde, Vangani, Maharashtra.
It was a special day for Balasaheb Shinde and 16 visually impaired families from Vangani. After living in dilapidated makeshift houses, overcrowded conditions and apartments with escalating rents for years, the families now have realized their dream of living in a safe and a decent home thanks to NGO Habitat for Humanity India.
In this unique project led by Habitat for Humanity India – a non-profit organization committed to provide affordable housing and improved sanitation facilities to the underprivileged – the families will now move into their new houses in a multi storied building built by Habitat for Humanity close to the Vangani railway station.
In a celebratory ceremony on Friday the houses were handed over to all the Habitat home partners by Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity India.
Rajan Samuel, said, “Habitat for Humanity India works with underprivileged families in need of decent, affordable housing across the country. Building homes for visually challenged families in Vangani has given us immense satisfaction. These homes will provide the families, their children a better foundation to build their future and an opportunity to lead their life in dignity. Living in one building will also foster among them a sense of togetherness and peer support.”
The housing project in Vangani is part of Habitat for Humanity India’s Maha-Impact initiative which aims at building homes for the underprivileged families in need of decent and affordable homes in Maharashtra. Habitat’s Maha-Impact initiative is in partnership with the State Government of Maharashtra.
