Quick Facts
Individuals served in FY22: 490,675
- Through new construction – 1,640
- Through incremental building – 24,010
- Through repairs – 610
- Through professional services – 405
- Through market development – 464,010
Volunteers hosted in FY22: 1,722
Other facts:
- Population: Over 1.4 billion
- Life expectancy: 70 years
- Unemployment rate: 10.05 percent
- Population living below poverty line: 14.96 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 Directive Principles of State Policy in India advocate for the state to ensure various rights, including a decent standard of living for all. This objective necessitates the provision of adequate housing, without which the goal cannot be attained. The 2019 OECD survey of the Indian economy identified a high percentage of individuals living in poor quality housing compared to other emerging market economies. Moreover, the existing shortage of 10 million urban housing units primarily affects the lower-income group segment. The 2019 RICS-Knight Frank report suggests that due to increasing urbanization, an additional 25 million homes will be required by 2030.
How Habitat addresses the need in India
Decent and affordable homes
In India, since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 622,000 people build or improve a place they can call home. We also provide basic services, such as improved sanitation units, and help people recover and rebuild their homes and lives following natural disasters.
Inclusive housing markets through innovation
In India, Habitat’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter continues its research and sector engagement in manufactured sand, roofing products, and roofing and housing finance. Areas of focus include sustainability in construction and climate-adaptative solutions, such as heat-reflective coatings. The Terwilliger Center and its partners have supported six startups through Habitat’s ShelterTech platform for innovative housing solutions.
Golf for Humanity
Following Habitat for Humanity’s fruitful partnership with the Asian Tour as their official Sustainable Development Partner in 2018, Habitat India has been organizing an annual Charity Golf Tournament to raise awareness, mobilize support and bring the need for decent housing closer to the hearts of the golfing community. Watch a short video to learn more.
Disaster response and preparedness
Habitat India has been responding to disasters with large-scale and long-term rebuilding projects since 1999. 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.
Volunteer engagement
Over 10 million supporters have participated in the Habitat Young Leaders Build, helping to raise awareness, funds, and advocate for affordable housing. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers supported Habitat India’s online crowdfunding and fundraising events.
