Tribal BhimaVitthalPardhi builds her house with the help of Habitat for Humanity India and 200 corporate employees from Mumbai
New Delhi: A tribal from Bangarwadi village in Karjattaluka ofRaigarhdistrict, BhimaVitthalPardhi could hardly believe her eyes as her dream of a decent house began taking shape. Habitat for Humanity India and over 200 employees from Altisource Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Samsung C&T and Willis Towers Watson Mumbai, along with 50 of her villagers joined hands in a massive initiative to build seven such houses in her village. The ‘build’ is part of Habitat’s annual youth campaign – Habitat Young Leaders Build that brings together youth across the country to support families in need of decent housing.BhimaVitthalPardhi is one such future homeowner. Bhima is a widow with three children and has had no source of regular income after her husband’s death in 2011.With her housebuilt, she will now focus on farming on the little patch of land and on her children’s educationamong other responsibilities.
A visibly relieved Bhimacommented, “It is a sense of pride and relief when you are living in your own house. After my husband’s death, I was unsure what would happen to all of us. Because of Habitat for Humanity India, we have roof over our head. Now I can look forward to a better future for my children.”
Organised by Habitat for Humanity India, this initiative was supported wholeheartedly by employees of
diversecorporates working together with the local villagers. In Habitat Young Leaders Build, young people volunteer and speak out for the need for decent homes as a way out of poverty and toward self-sustainability. The campaign motivates youth to take the lead in building homes and communities.
Rajan Samuel, Managing Director – Habitat for Humanity India mentioned, “The sense of happiness and satisfaction on the facesof 250 people was to be seen to be believed. A house gives the greatest sense of security and shortage ofaffordable houses is an acute challenge in India. I am glad that the initiative of ‘Housing for All by 2022’ is helping the poor. All of us including the government, corporate world, non-government organisations and the communities need to join hands to ensure that our HonourablePrime Minister’s dream comes true and more people like Bhima get a decent house.”
The ‘BUILD’ activity at Bangarwadisaw building of walls,painting,beautification houses and a community hall built by volunteers in partnership with Habitat India.