Quick Facts
Individuals served in FY20: 703,980
- Through new construction –1,595
- Through incremental building –21,600
- Through repairs –2,215
- Through professional services –15,340
- Through market development –444,705
- Through civil society –218,525
Volunteers hosted in FY20: 4,124
Other facts:
- Population: Over 1.3 billion
- Life expectancy: 69 years
- Unemployment rate: 5.3 percent
- Population living below poverty line: 21.9 percent
Source: World Factbook
Habitat for Humanity in India
Habitat for Humanity India began operations in Khammam, Telangana (formerly known as Andhra Pradesh) state, southeastern India, in 1983. Among the largest Habitat programs in the Asia-Pacific region, Habitat India has helped more than 386,400 families gain access to decent shelter as well as rebuilt their homes and lives in the aftermath of disasters. By 2022, Habitat India plans to reach out to 51 million people in need of improved housing solutions, safe sanitation, post-disaster reconstruction and by engaging the youth in its work.
Housing needs in India
The COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily reversed the course of India’s remarkable progress in poverty reduction, according to the World Bank. The economic slowdown triggered by the outbreak is believed to have had a significant impact on poor and vulnerable households. The Government of India is still committed to provide housing for all by 2022 in meeting the Sustainable Development Goal 1 of ending poverty. The current shortfall of 10 million urban housing units is mostly driven by the economically weaker section and lower income group segment. With increasing urbanization, another 25 million homes are needed by 2030, according to a2019 RICS-Knight Frank report.
How Habitat addresses the need in India
Decent and affordable homes
Over 18.8 million families in urban India and over 43 million rural families are in need of affordable housing, according to official estimates. As of December 31, 2020, Habitat India has enabled more than 36 million individuals to create better lives through the housing ecosystem, in line with the nation’s vision of housing for all by 2022.
COVID-19 response
Through the “Road to Recovery” program, Habitat India has served over 1.3 million people including vulnerable families and migrant workers. Habitat distributed hygiene kits and family essential kits, provided conditional cash transfers, conducted behavioral change communication training to improve hygiene and collaborated to build Habitat Care Centers for safe isolation.
Disaster response and preparedness
Since 1999, Habitat India has been responding to disasters with large-scale and long-term rebuilding projects. A year after devastating floods hit Kerala state in August 2018, Habitat India helped over 156,000 families through humanitarian aid kits, conditional cash transfers, transitional and core shelters, livelihood skills training and others.
Golf for Humanity
Since January 2019, Habitat India has been organizing the annual Charity Golf Tournament in Mumbai, bringing together renowned professional golfers who play alongside India’s top business leaders to raise awareness and support for Habitat’s work. Watch a short video.
Volunteer engagement
Through the Habitat Young Leaders Build, over 10 million individuals had been reached to raise awareness and funds and advocate for affordable housing. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers are engaged to support Habitat India’s crowdfunding and fundraising events online.
