Hyderabad (India CSR): Housing non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity India and global home furnishings company IKEA in India have joined hands to repair homes of 70 marginalized families living in Jagathgiri Gutta located in Medchal district, Hyderabad, Telangana.
The community living in Jagathgiri Gutta is inhabited by daily wage earners, domestic helpers, vegetable vendors, and people working in the informal sector, most living in dilapidated or damaged houses which fail to protect them from extreme climatic conditions and make them susceptible to diseases. Most houses are more than 20 years old and need repairs. Loss of livelihood caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the families from making house repairs.
Through this collaboration, Habitat for Humanity India has repaired the damaged homes and improved the housing conditions for more than 350 individuals in the community who had suffered from the dual health and economic crises posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The repair works include fixing cracks, plastering, painting, door and roof adjustments, and overhauling of toilets.
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Speaking on the success of the project, Dr. Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity India said, “At Habitat for Humanity India, we are passionate advocates of the positive impact of a safe and decent home. Housing is the first line of defense against the challenges and uncertainties brought by the pandemic. In this partnership with IKEA, we support the development of affordable housing in India. Growing up in safe and sustainable homes will help these families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build a better future for themselves.”
“We at IKEA are always with the many people. We believe that a better home leads to a better everyday life. Housing is a fundamental human right and the home is the most important place in the world. We are grateful and proud of this collaborative journey with Habitat for Humanity India to drive the Basti project in Hyderabad and strengthen IKEA’s “A Place Called Home” initiative in India”, said Christophe Jean Eliane Adrien, Market Manager, IKEA India – Hyderabad.
“My family and I have been living here for more than 25 years. The broken roof and cracks on the wall meant there was leakage every year. Thanks to the excellent repair work, it feels as if we are living in a brand new home. The ventilation is better too. We don’t have to worry about the monsoon or the harsh summers anymore,” said homeowner Gaddam Suryavathi who lives with her elder daughter.
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A mother of 3 daughters, Suryavathi had lost her husband in 2021. This housing project has offered many families like Suryavathi healthier and more dignified living conditions. They no longer live under the threat of damaged houses and experience increased financial security, allowing them to channel their resources towards other necessities and invest in their children’s future.
(India CSR)
