Rebuilding

Habitat For Humanity India Quarterly Newsletter Year Five January to March 2020 Issue One EDITORIAL

Dear Friends, out to the millions of families in India CREDITS and around the world who still lack Creative Team When we heard of the novel these facilities. Our vision where Rajan Samuel coronavirus and the lockdown in everyone has a decent place to live Ritwik Sawant Wuhan early this year, we did not is even more pertinent today when anticipate the disruption it would met with a crisis like this. Anthony Thomas cause to our lives. Saint Kamei I want to encourage you to uplift Christina Shaikh As we navigate through these each other and derive strength Rutuja Powle uncertain times together, I want from one another through constant Taarika Chandy to let you know that now, more communication, ensuring that the Varsha Parulekar than ever, our work in shelter and distancing measures we follow are sanitation is proving its worth. only physical, not social or spiritual. Ashwati Joseph Varsha Kadam Families in Savda Ghevra (Delhi), We keep the safety of your family Vishal Satpute Amravati (), Ernakulam and yourself in mind, always. (Kerala) and Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu) are facing this emergency In partnership, with confidence because they Rajan Samuel have decent shelter and access to Managing Director sanitation facilities. Our heart goes Habitat for Humanity India COPYRIGHT Habitat for Humanity India

Families served Individuals served Homes built and repaired 6,63,994 32,37,607 4,69,099

People served through People served Sanitation units built S2S coalition through DRRR 11,21,864 3,23,79,233 8,79,900

Funds leveraged through Government (FY 18-19) Volunteer Engagement Number of states 119.58 CR 1,06,05,743 26

(As on 31st December, 2019) | DRRR: Disaster Risk Reduction and Response | S2S: Sensitise to Sanitise | Volunteer Engagement includes number of volunteers on a Habitat Build and participants in Habitat Young Leaders Build Distribution of Hygiene and Family Essentials Kits in Park Circus, Kolkata, West Bengal

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INDIA COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Women following social distancing norms as they collect their Hygiene and Family RESPONSE Essentials Kits in , Maharashtra

As of 22nd April, we have served 1,44,916 individuals with 34,164 Hygiene and Family Essentials Kits.

As the country implements flood, an earthquake, a storm, or a Scan the QR code below to donate unprecedented measures amidst the pandemic like COVID-19, those who towards Habitat India’s efforts:. global health emergency of are living in poor conditions suddenly COVID-19, we at Habitat for find themselves struggling even Humanity India are supporting more. families and individuals living in vulnerable conditions with no safety Habitat’s Hygiene Kits and Family net by providing them with essential Essentials Kits provide families with goods and hygiene items. essential goods which meet their basic needs and ensure they have a When a disaster hits - be it a better life during the lockdown. RUNNING THE TATA MUMBAI

MARATHON Employees from Messe Frankfurt running in the Tata Mumbai 2020 on behalf of Habitat India

305 avid supporters participated sanitation for girls in schools. They Piyush Khullar from HDFC Asset and ran for Habitat for Humanity were from Lodha World School - Management also ran on our behalf India in the Tata Mumbai Marathon Palava, Universal High School, Gold as a Change Investor, as well as on 19th January 2020, in support of Crest International School, Billabong Shloka Nath, a member of Habitat better shelter and sanitation across High International School, Rajhans India’s Women Build Committee, the country. Vidyalaya, Vivekanand English High Sunil Vijan, Owner - Alloy Costing School, Gopi Birla Memorial School, Business, Sanjeev Mittal, Country Among them were 250 employees The Gateway School of Mumbai, Head India – Scotiabank and Harsh from corporates like Sony Pictures Smt. Sulochanandevi Singhania Podar, Director - Podar Education Network, Messe Frankfurt, Indostar School, HFS International School, Network. Capital Financial Ltd., Schindler BK Birla Public School and JBCN India Pvt. Ltd., Capita India and International School. We thank each and every Group M, who ran the marathon participant, school and organisation in support of Habitat India. Out 12 individual supporters ran the that supported us at the Tata of these, 205 employees also marathon in our support. Among Mumbai Marathon. raised funds through crowdfunding them was Sumanth Cidambi - campaigns in support of Habitat Director, KKR Financial Services Click on the QR Code to read India. and ultra-marathoner – who ran as Sumanth Cidambi’s story: a Change Leader and raised funds We had 43 students from schools in support of sanitation facilities across Mumbai who raised funds in schools. He also supported us for better access to water and through his social media channels. Rajambal Madabushi, Chartered Accountant – Institute of Chartered Accountants of India speaking at the CSR Dialogue Hyderabad

PROMOTING

Nitin Potdar, M&A Partner, CONVERSATIONS J. Sagar Associates, speaking at the CSR Dialogue Pune with THROUGH Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat India CSR DIALOGUES

The 13th and 14th editions of Habitat the corporate and public sectors and Sanitation. With more than 40 for Humanity India’s Corporate attended the dialogue which participants from companies like Social Responsibility (CSR) comprised an expert panel with Rolls-Royce, SG Analytics, Sandvik, Dialogues were held in Hyderabad speakers like Kamini Saraf - CSR Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd, Martin and Pune respectively. Head of FICCI Telangana, Jyotsna Engineering and Yardi Software Angara, Governing Body Member, India Pvt. Ltd. to name a few, These events focused on FICCI Ladies Organisation Habitat India emphasized the need encouraging collaboration between (FLO) and Rajambal Madabushi, for increased CSR interventions corporates, financial institutions and Chartered Accountant – Institute in the areas of affordable housing, government agencies, along with of Chartered Accountants of India, sanitation and menstrual hygiene Habitat India, to provide affordable who spoke about interventions management for adolescent girls. housing solutions to families. where corporates and Habitat India could partner with the government Devendra Deshpande, CS and The 13th edition held in Hyderabad to achieve the goal. The Habitat Fellow Member, Institute of focused on the Role of Coalition for Humanity India CSR Dialogue – Company Secretaries of India for Social, Civic and Community Hyderabad was supported by FICCI (ICSI) and Nitin Potdar, Corporate Development in Telangana and and T-Social Impact Group. Lawyer, M and A Partner, J. Sagar Andhra Pradesh, with the goal of Associates were the key speakers. creating a sustainable roadmap to The 14th edition held in Pune impact 1 lakh families with better highlighted the Role of CSR in We thank Symbiosis School of housing and sanitation. More Strengthening Low Income Families Economics for being our official than 70 participants representing in Maharashtra through Housing venue partner for this event. BUILDING BETTER SHELTER AND SANITATION TOGETHER

SANITATION IN SCHOOLS

A school sanitation complex built by Habitat for Humanity India, and supported by Indostar Capital Financial Ltd., was handed over to Primary School Amruthpura in Ankleshwar, Gujarat on 7th February 2020. Staff from Indostar participated in this ceremony, as well as in the Behavioural Change Communication program held by Habitat India to train the students in sanitation and hygiene habits. 111 students and six teachers will benefit from this project.

Indostar Capital Financial Ltd. is supporting Habitat India’s initiatives in School Sanitation Hygiene and Education in four states – Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

VISION VANGANI On 26th January 2019, the families a consultation in its National health and education. After the in Vangani celebrated Republic Day Office in Mumbai titled ‘Forging lockdown caused by COVID-19 was and moved into their new homes. Collaborations for Vision Vangani announced, Habitat India provided But there are many more visually 2025’ on 11th March 2020. 15 essential items to 100 families impaired families in Vangani who people from organisations such as thanks to our well-wishers and are in need of decent shelter. the National Association for the supporters. Blind, World Vision India, Eyeway, Financial support from our Rescue Foundation and Habitat corporate partner (Bank of America homeowners from Vangani took Continuum) was complimented part in the discussion along with with a generous contribution from a Habitat India staff and Rajeev local community leader and Habitat Menon, Member, Board of Trustees, for Humanity India supporter, who Habitat India. donated the land for constructing the building. The discussion focused on providing holistic solutions for the With an aim to serve more families families in the areas of shelter, Vision Vangani consultation in Habitat India’s in Vangani, Habitat India held financial inclusion, livelihood, office, Mumbai The Center for Sustainability at Anant National University - India’s first design university - has partnered with Habitat India to work towards fulfilling its vision of building a world where everyone has a decent place to live. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Ahmedabad by Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat PARTNERSHIPS for Humanity India and Dr. Anunaya Chaubey, Provost, Anant University FOR BETTER Dr. Anunaya Chaubey, Provost, Anant University on 8th February 2020. and Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat India FUTURES signing the Memorandum of Understanding Anant National University is a thought leader in the affordable housing space, and the Center for delivery. Anant National University The India Housing Coalition was Sustainability and will work with will also join the India Housing established by Habitat for Humanity Habitat India to develop solutions Coalition (IHC) as a knowledge and at the 7th edition of Asia Pacific across design, construction and research partner. Housing Forum in July 2019.

DEVELOPING URBAN INDIA

Habitat India, in association with with the challenges and possible INCLUDe Network, organised a solutions. Five policy briefs workshop on 29th January 2020 developed on land tenure, housing on Urban Sanitation in Thane, design, finance for the poor, urban Maharashtra and a Round Table livelihoods and data, governance Discussion on Urban Development and participation were shared. on 26th February 2020 in Delhi.

In the Urban Sanitation workshop, practitioners, NGO members, 4G Sunanda More, 4G member of Sathewadi, members (local self-help group) and Thane speaking on the operation and urban planning experts discussed maintenance of the Community Sanitation urban sanitation with special Complex built by Habitat India focus on community sanitation, community-led development and sustainability in . administrators, NGO experts and funding agency professionals Dr. Kulwant Singh, CEO, 3R Waste In New Delhi, the deliberations focused upon urban issues in Foundation giving a speech during the between policymakers, Delhi and surrounding areas along round table discussion IN CONVERSATION WITH ANTHONY MILLER AND CECILIA MELIN

Habitat for Humanity India hosted Anthony and Cecilia, could you Habitat and spent a little less on a the Anthony Miller and Cecilia Melin share with us the story of how you trip to build with Habitat Vietnam. It Legacy Build in , Maharashtra began your journey with Habitat for was a life-changing experience for from 16th to 20th February. The Humanity? our children. 5-day build saw volunteers help two families in Gawandewadi realise Anthony Miller: About 12 years ago, Cecilia Melin: Tony and I started their dream of a decent home. I was looking for a charity for my to go on Habitat builds with our children to get involved in. A few children and we were so impressed Based out of Japan, Anthony Miller months later, I started talking to this by how committed people were. We is a member of Habitat’s Asia Pacific person who was in front of me in a had the opportunity to visit different Development Council, and Cecilia queue at an event. He turned out communities and we continued to Melin is Chairperson of the Board of to be Jonathan Reckford, CEO of go every year. Between us, we have Trustees, Habitat Japan. The family Habitat for Humanity International! been on 16 Habitat for Humanity have been one of the staunchest He invited me and my family to join builds all around Asia. allies for Habitat and the families we him on a build in Malawi, Africa. work with at the grassroots. But instead we gave that money to A few years back, I was invited to join the board of Habitat Japan and a while later, I was asked to become the Chair. It has been a fulfilling experience - taking the involvement from volunteering to actually building Habitat and its vision for Japan.

What do you feel about volunteering with Habitat?

Cecilia Melin: I can vouch for the positive experience volunteering with Habitat gives you. You gain so much and you feel good about what you are doing. At first, you think it is Anthony Miller and Cecilia Melin lighting the lamp to inaugurate the build going to be dirty, but then you get into the work and also get to know the people in the community which the children of the families we were teamwork. Getting people to come is a soul satisfying experience. That building with had swollen feet. So, out in the field and build homes, is the greatest part of volunteering one of the volunteers took out an whether they are the youth or – it’s a powerful way to change EpiPen (injection with adrenaline) individuals from corporates, is a society. and stabbed the swollen feet. In 10 great thing to do. For corporations minutes he was better. This incident who have that culture, it also helps Anthony Miller: It is a huge benefit inspired my daughter to go to reinforce that the company is trying to business people like us, because medical school. to incorporate good values, which is we get to see a part of society that so important in business. we otherwise would not see. It’s a Cecilia Melin: I have so many huge benefit to the kids as well, who memories! If you had spoken to me Anthony Miller: It is too easy to get to have a social experience. last week, the answer would have go through the motions. But doing been different. But today, I would just that means you waste your Here in Karjat - the damming of say the India build here has been time, money and resources. What the river to lift water, providing the best! would be more productive is to give water wheels, helping community your employees an experience. members set up a catering service What would you like to say to And not the usual “save humanity” to supply lunches for the builds - other successful business leaders spin, but have them do something Habitat is making a tremendous like you, to encourage support that’s good and has tangible results, contribution to this society. for organizations like Habitat for rather than just donate their money Humanity? to such organisations. India is a Could you tell us about one of your really interesting country and in an favourite memories with Habitat? Cecilia Melin: We can always do a interesting time in its life. It’s only lot more if companies think a little going to get better, and everyone Anthony Miller: On my first build, we bit out of the box. Volunteering will benefit from building the country were in southern Vietnam. One of with Habitat is a great way to build together brick by brick. VOLUNTEERING TO BUILD STRENGTH

On 14th February 2020, the Mina name on it where little kids can go Parekh Community Hall built by learn and play. Her tears of joy said Habitat India and the Irula families it all!” of Keelalinjipattu, Tamil Nadu was handed over to the community. Kevin and Stacy Maddox who mobilised the funds for the The hall has a capacity of 100 community hall wanted to honour people and is named after Mina the spirit of humanity and story of Parekh, a Habitat volunteer born Mina Parekh. and raised in India, who now lives in the USA. She returned along with her daughter Megha to help build homes with Irula tribal families.

“My 68-year-old mom and I went to Megha, Mina’s daughter working alongside India with Habitat’s Global Village the team in Keelalinjipattu, Tamil Nadu program to build houses,” says Megha Parekh. “I was sceptical This project is part of a unique of her joining because of her age, housing project of 22 Habitat her recent recovery from cancer homes built for Irula tribal families and I thought she couldn’t handle with support from our countless the heat or the work. But I saw her volunteers such as Mina, Megha, strength and soul first-hand. There Mina Parekh at a Habitat India build in Kevin, Stacy and our corporate is now a community hall with her Keelalinjipattu, Tamil Nadu partners. VOICES FROM THE FIELD EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT

Shivani (19) used to work in Ganga the women were also given sewing Jamuna, the red-light area of the machines that enabled them to start “It was a tough time for town of Nagpur in Maharashtra. small businesses of their own. me after losing my parents Shivani hails from West Bengal. She had lost both her parents to HIV - I did not know what to AIDS when she was very young. do, who to turn to for After failing the 10th standard exam, support. I signed up for she was sold by a relative she was this vocational training as living with into the commercial sex soon as I heard about it. trade in Nagpur. Now, I’ve started my own Habitat for Humanity India business in my house and I partnered with Sharansthan, an earn around INR 200-300 organization that looks after the daily. I am very thankful children of women in the sex trade to Habitat for extending a in Ganga Jamuna. helping hand to me when I needed it the most. They We identified 15 women who were interested in alternate livelihood, have brought me from and provided them with vocational darkness to light and training in tailoring. Shivani was made me self-reliant.” one of these women who enrolled for the course and learnt sewing - Shivani Borkar and tailoring. During the course OUTREACH As on 31st December 2019 JAMMU & LADAKH* KASHMIR*

HIMACHAL PRADESH PUNJAB UTTARAKHAND ARUNACHAL PRADESH HARYANA Delhi RAJASTHAN SIKKIM ASSAM UTTAR PRADESH BIHAR NAGALAND

MEGHALAYA MANIPUR GUJARAT JHARKHAND TRIPURA MIZORAM MADHYA PRADESH CHHATTISGARH WEST BENGAL Mumbai Nagpur ODISHA

Karjat TELANGANA MAHARASHTRA National Office

Habitat HUB GOA ANDHRA PRADESH Habitat Service Centre KARNATAKA Chennai Habitat for Humanity India Operation Outreach Bengaluru PUDUCHERRY Sensitise to Sanitise Coalition (S2S) *Administrative boundaries of J&K, UT and Ladakh, UT shown here are yet to KERALA SPHERE Network Members (Disaster Response) be authenticated by concerned TAMIL NADU MicroBuild India authorities as per Govt. of India Gazette Notification No. 3585 dated 02.11.2019 Shelter Tech Accelerator Program

Cover Photo: Anthony Miller and Cecilia Melin during Legacy Build in Karjat, Maharashtra

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