Chennai, Aug 30 (Representative) Housing non-profit organization, Habitat for Humanity India has successfully implemented a housing project for Irula communities, one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged tribes in Tamil Nadu, in partnership with Wells Fargo India. The project extended financial support to 43 Irula tribal families in Tiruvallur district empowering them to complete their unfinished houses following the homeowner- driven construction method. Each home has a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom and a sanitation unit, offering privacy, dignity and improved living conditions for the families. The project is in-line with Habitat for Humanity India’s continued efforts to address the major challenges faced by the Irula community related to housing and access to land. Earlier, the Irula community lived in the forests and eked out an income by bartering or selling honey, wax, herbal medicine and firewood to local villagers and by catching snakes.
In recent decades, the tribal community has been living in mud huts with straw roofs and dirt floors, living a hand-to-mouth existence through manual labor and fishing. In the project spanning January-June 2022, construction of 21 unfinished houses were completed in Pazhaverkadu and 22 unfinished houses in Pondavakkam, enabling all 43 families to realise their dream of owning a home for the first time. The construction of these homes were left unfinished for many years due to the financial constraints faced by the homeowners, a release from Habitat for Humanity said here today. “We never thought that we would be able to finish building the house. I was worried about my children’s safety, especially of my daughter. Now I can go to work without worrying, as we have a safe home. Since we moved into our new home, we have been able to sleep at night peacefully.
Now we have solid ground under our feet and a roof over our heads,” said Malathi, a widow, with five children. Dr.Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity India said, “Our efforts to uplift the living standards of Irula tribes are driven by a firm belief that healthy homes help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future.” “It provides them a foundation to break the shackles of poverty. We are thankful to Wells Fargo for enabling the successful completion of these homes and ensuring them a comfortable life”, he said. “At Wells Fargo, we believe everyone should have a quality, affordable place to call home, which is the foundation for wellness, dignity, and economic opportunity. Wells Fargo is committed to helping communities thrive and become self-reliant to be able to live a life with dignity. We partnered with Habitat for Humanity India to identify and support Irula families and we are happy that 43 of them now have a place to call home,” said Arindam Banerrji, Managing Director, Wells Fargo India and Philippines.