India is a country of vibrant cultures, diverse climates, and unique challenges—and among these is the unrelenting heat that millions endure during scorching summer months.

This article marks the beginning of a three-part series where we’ll explore how we are positively impacting communities across India.

From providing cost-effective, sustainable cooling solutions with Excel CoolCoat to transforming the lives of families through innovative partnerships, these stories will highlight the powerful ways our work is making a difference.

Let’s begin with how Excel CoolCoat is revolutionizing thermal comfort and reshaping what it means to live comfortably in India’s heat.

“It’s like living in an oven,” lamented a resident of Chennai, India, describing the unbearable heat that envelops their home during the sweltering summer months. With temperatures often soaring above 40°C, many parts of India experience intense heat that seeps into every corner of the house, making daily life a struggle. However, innovative solutions are on the horizon, and Excel Coatings is leading the charge in transforming lives in low-income households across India.

A Nation Battling the Heat

India’s climate is as diverse as its culture, but scorching summer months are a shared reality for millions. With urban areas experiencing “heat island” effects, and rural communities often lacking adequate shelter, many households find themselves facing insufferable indoor temperatures. A staggering 110 million housing units are projected to be needed in India by 2030, with 80-90% of the demand stemming from the low-income segment, which often cannot afford cooling solutions such as air-conditioning. On top of that, the World Bank estimates that by 2030, over 200 million people in India will be exposed to heatwaves, posing significant health risks and leading to the loss of 34 million jobs (source).

While government subsidy programs have addressed some of the housing needs, the vast majority of homes remain without affordable and sustainable cooling solutions—creating a significant gap that the coating products manufacturer Excel Coatings aims to fill with its products.

“Our aim is to help families live more comfortably without relying on expensive air conditioning, while prioritizing thermal comfort,” states the Director of Excel Coatings, Mr. Vidhyaprakash. This commitment is not just a business strategy; it’s a mission for this family-owned company that is committed to enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals. “During summer, when it’s 35 to 40 degrees [Celcius] outside, the temperature inside can shoot up to 45 to 50 degrees if the roof isn’t insulated. Without a heat-reflective coating, the house absorbs the sun’s energy, turning a home into an oven. Not only does it lead to health issues and discomfort, but even running an air conditioner won’t help much unless it’s on for hours, drastically increasing electricity bills,” says the Director.

The Excel CoolCoat Advantage

 So, what exactly is Excel CoolCoat? It is a heat reflective coating, popularly known as cool roof paint - a low cost and simple yet powerful climate adaptation solution that lowers indoor temperatures. Cool roof paints are designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat compared to traditional roofing material leading to reduction in indoor temperature. 

How It Works

1. Temperature control: Uncoated rooms can reach a sweltering 45-50°C when outdoor temperatures hover around 40°C. In contrast, coated rooms maintain a significantly cooler 39-41°C – on par with outdoor temperatures – providing a crucial 9°C reduction in extreme heat areas like Rajasthan.

2. Cost-effective: The total cost to coat a typical low-income household (about 300-325 square feet) ranges from 4,500 to 5,000 rupees (approx. 43 to 54 EUR), with a lifespan of 5-7 years. In comparison, installing an air conditioning unit can cost around 30,000 rupees, plus ongoing electricity expenses of 2,000 to 3,000 rupees per month. The return on investment for the Excel CoolCoat is about 12-14 months, meaning that over the lifespan of the roof families are able to enjoy cooler homes at significantly lower costs.

3. Sustainable solution: Unlike traditional air conditioning systems that contribute to CO2 emissions, Excel’s coating is an eco-friendly, passive cooling alternative.

4. Ease of application: Excel CoolCoat is user-friendly, allowing non-professionals to apply it easily. Compatible with both concrete and sheet metal roofs, the product’s versatility ensures it fits various housing structures, which is particularly valuable for the often poorly ventilated homes in low-income neighborhoods.

Excel Coatings has also partnered with Habitat for Humanity’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS) supported by Hilti Foundation to expand the reach of its innovative cooling solutions. This collaboration has helped the company connect with underserved low-income families, ensuring that products like Excel CoolCoat are accessible to those who need them most. Through the support of TCIS, Excel Coatings has been able to implement effective marketing strategies and pilot projects, showcasing how affordable and sustainable solutions can transform homes and lives across India.

Excel CoolCoat is more than just a product; it’s a lifeline for millions of families battling the relentless heat of Indian summers. By offering a cost-effective, sustainable, and easy-to-apply solution, Excel Coatings is helping households stay cooler, healthier, and more comfortable without the financial burden of traditional cooling methods.

Read more about how this innovative product is transforming the lives of real families across India in these articles.

If you’d like to see the faces behind the stories—families and communities whose lives have been changed—and learn how TCIS played a pivotal role in boosting Excel CoolCoat’s mission, the articles such as Transforming Lives with Cool Roofs. Real Stories from India and Excel CoolCoat: A Game-Changer for Heat-Stricken Families are a must-read.

Every home holds a story, and for many families, the journey to finding a safe and secure place to live is filled with incredible challenges. In 2024, Habitat for Humanity organized hundreds of volunteering activities across our network all over the world, bringing hope and support to countless communities. In Romania in particular, over 270 dedicated volunteers helped transform lives through 3 big accelerated volunteering build events called Hope Build. As part of these efforts, eight families moved closer to their dream of having a home they can call their own. On this International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the resilience of these families and the generosity of those who built alongside them.

A Place to Grow, Heal, and Thrive: A Fresh Start for Families in Need

For many families, a new home represents more than just a physical structure—it symbolizes the possibility of a fresh start, a chance to heal, and a place to thrive. In these homes, families find the space, security, and stability they’ve longed for after enduring difficult and often abusive living situations. 

The stories of these families are a testament to resilience and hope, as they embark on new journeys of rebuilding their lives.

These families’ journeys highlight the importance of having a safe, stable home—a space where they can heal from the scars of the past, find peace, and create a better future for themselves and their children. 

Each new house is not just a shelter; it is a sanctuary that will allow these families to grow, thrive, and build the lives they’ve always dreamed of.

Building Homes, Building Hope

The three building events in Tutora, Berceni, and Zemes, Romania, were nothing short of extraordinary. Over just five days in each location, volunteers worked tirelessly to construct duplexes from the ground up—installing walls, mounting roofs, applying insulation, and perfecting interiors. The energy and commitment of the volunteers transformed blueprints into tangible homes, and more importantly, into foundations for better lives.

A Heartfelt Thanks

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of volunteers from across the Europe and Middle East region, including teams from Telus, Hilti, Auchan, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, VELUX, DOVISTA, Employee Foundation of VKR Group, Mercedes, BRD, wienerberger, GRAITEC, Henkel, SWECO, Dedeman, ProTV. Their hands-on work and unwavering support brought not only houses to life but also inspired renewed strength in the families who will live in them. 

As we reflect on the incredible impact of 2024’s builds, we’re reminded of Habitat for Humanity’s vision: a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Thank you to every volunteer who made these dreams possible.

Your dedication proves that, together, we can build more than homes—we can build hope, community, and a brighter future.

As International Volunteer Day approaches, stories like those of Alaa Al-Haddad and Lea Strpkova, employees of Habitat for Humanity International Europe and Middle East, shine a light on the transformative power of giving back. Two months ago, Alaa, donor engagement coordinator, and Lea, resource development assistant, joined 150 other volunteers for the Hope Build event in Berceni, Romania. Their journey was one of sweat, teamwork, and lasting impact.

What is Hope Build? 

Hope Build is no ordinary construction project. Organized by Habitat for Humanity Romania, it’s an accelerated building initiative where volunteers from around the world gather to construct homes for and with families in need. The build event joined by Alaa and Lea focused on building two duplex houses in Berceni, county of Prahova, Romania, that would house four families, offering them not just a roof but the foundation for a brighter future. Volunteers installed walls, raised roofs, and worked tirelessly to transform bare foundations into warm, welcoming homes.

For Alaa and Lea, this event wasn’t just about construction—it was about hope.  

The Call to Volunteer 

For both Alaa and Lea, volunteering is deeply personal. “Volunteering is about giving without expecting anything in return. It’s about making a tangible difference,” shared Alaa. Lea agreed, adding, “Time is one of the most precious things we have. Giving it to someone else is a powerful gesture. Building homes as a team was an experience I could never achieve on my own.”

Although both had volunteered before in various capacities—Alaa had helped sort clothes for refugees, and Lea had organized events—Hope Build was the first for them in construction. “It’s not every day you get to build a home!” said Lea with a smile.

Building from the Ground Up  

In Berceni, the days began early, with the team tackling activities like assembling walls, cutting wood, and installing roof tiles. “Each day brought something new,” said Alaa. “From drilling into concrete to applying stucco, we learned so much.” Despite the physical toll, Lea found joy in the variety. “Even when you were learning something tricky, you quickly moved on to another task, so it never felt repetitive.”

One of the most memorable moments came after the first day. “We were physically exhausted, red like tomatoes,” laughed Alaa. “But seeing the frames of the houses standing tall after just one day—it was breathtaking.” 

By the end of the week, the houses truly felt like homes. “Each day, you could see the transformation. By the last day, it was hard to believe we’d come so far,” said Lea.  

More than Just a Build 

The emotional connection was just as significant as the physical labor. Volunteers worked alongside the families who would live in these homes. “Meeting the families was incredibly moving,” said Alaa. “You realize you’re not just building walls; you’re helping to fulfill someone’s dream of a safe, decent home.”  

Lea cherished the sense of community. “We were a global team—people from Australia, the U.S., Denmark, Italy and beyond—coming together for a shared purpose. It was a beautiful feeling to be part of something so much bigger than ourselves.”   

A Bittersweet Goodbye 

When the final day arrived, saying goodbye wasn’t easy. “We’d built such strong bonds,” said Alaa. “It felt like a school—breakfast together, bus rides, working side by side, and dinner as a group. By the end, we knew everyone, and it was tough to leave.” 

Lea echoed the sentiment. “Even though I was ready to rest, I felt sad knowing this exact group wouldn’t gather again.”  

A Lasting Impact  

The experience profoundly affected both Alaa and Lea. “I feel so empowered,” shared Alaa. “I joke with friends now that I can help with drilling or building—it’s a skill I never thought I’d have!” For Lea, it was about perspective. “Working with over 150 people showed me the power of collective effort. Together, we created something life-changing.”

They also enjoyed having a new dimension to their daily jobs. “As part of the fundraising team, it was amazing to see the real human stories behind the numbers we work with every day,” said Alaa. “The funds we raise directly support families like those we met in Berceni.”

Why Volunteer with Habitat?  

For anyone considering volunteering, Alaa and Lea’s advice is simple: do it. “You can’t fully understand the experience until you live it,” said Lea. “It’s more than words can describe.”  

“Volunteering with Habitat is about building more than houses,” added Alaa. “You’re building hope, community, and dreams. It’s an experience that stays with you for a lifetime.” 

 Whether you’re hammering nails or raising funds, every effort helps create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. As Alaa and Lea can attest, the rewards are immeasurable.

For more information about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, please reach out to us at [email protected]. 
 

From September 28 to October 3, the employees of the VKR Group, a Danish holding and investment company in the building industry, came together for a truly inspiring initiative—the Donate Your Steps walking challenge, organized by the Employee Foundation of the VKR Group to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide safe and decent homes for families in need.

The challenge was simple yet impactful: employees tracked their steps in one week, and the Employee Foundation matched their efforts with a grant donation to Habitat for Humanity. The outcome? A remarkable 28,779,480 steps logged by 697 employees across 32 countries—an equivalent distance of approximately 21,938 km, or halfway around the planet. This initiative achieved the full grant target for Habitat’s Empty Spaces to Homes program, which repurposes vacant buildings into affordable housing for vulnerable populations across Europe.

A Collective Effort  

The challenge was more than just a fitness activity. It symbolized the shared commitment of VKR Group employees to help others. “I’m amazed at the energy and enthusiasm our employees brought to this challenge,” said Lotte Kragelund, Executive Director of the Employee Foundation. “To see nearly 29 million steps collected in just a few days is nothing short of incredible. Every step represents hope for families in need of a decent housing, and we couldn’t be prouder of our team.”  

Impact Beyond Steps  

The funds raised through this initiative will go toward Habitat for Humanity’s transformative programs, creating homes for families and communities. “We are deeply grateful to the VKR Group employees for dedicating their time, energy, and effort to this cause,” said Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity’s vice president for Europe and the Middle East. “Their commitment is helping us repurpose vacant buildings into affordable housing, proving that together, we can build a world where everyone has a place to call home.”  

Walking for Change  

This challenge was a powerful reminder of how small, everyday actions can lead to extraordinary outcomes. To all participants, your steps have brought families closer to their dreams of a safe and secure home. 

Thank you for making every step count!