Habitat launches ‘Homes for Hope’ project for people with disabilities
Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka embarked on its 25th year of operations in the country, by breaking ground on its latest housing project titled ‘ Homes for Hope’ which seeks to provide housing solutions for nearly 60 marginalised families in Negombo and Galle.
Funded by an inspirational local donor family in memory of their loving parents, late Dr .& Mrs. J. H. F. Jayasuriya ( Founder Chairman, Ceylon National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis), the project, which is expected to be completed at the end of this year, concentrates on providing safe and decent housing solutions for persons with disabilities.
Special consideration has been paid to the needs of the beneficiary communities, especially in determining the design of the homes. Each fully completed Habitat home will be about 580 sq. ft. in extent, complete with two bedrooms, a living room, a verandah, a kitchen and an attached toilet.
Phase 1 of the project is focused on Negombo. Families of people with disabilities, particularly the visually impaired, will benefit through the construction of new homes and the repair of existing homes. Subsequently, Phase 2 of the initiative will focus on supporting families of persons with disabilities (as a result of illnesses such as Leprosy) and other special needs in Galle.
In celebration of the launch of this unique housing project Habitat Sri Lanka, brought together its National Board of Directors, their friends and family on January 15, 2019 for a special ‘Board Build’. This build enabled more than 60 volunteers to engage in construction activities by excavating and laying foundations for new homes in Nayanalokagama, Negombo.
More than 40 of these volunteers were Youths between the ages of 16- 30. They joined this initiative as part of the Asia- Pacific Regional Campaign ‘Habitat Young Leaders Build’ which focuses on fostering youth volunteerism across the Asia-Pacific Region.
Since 1994, Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka has assisted more than 25,500 families by building homes, facilitating access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities for communities and assisting families improve their shelter conditions. To donate towards Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka’s ‘ Sponsor a Home’ Programme or other initiatives, visit www.habitatsrilanka.org or follow #habitatsrilanka on social media.