43 Irula families in Tiruvallur finally have a roof over heads

CHENNAI: As many as 43 families belonging to the Irula community, one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged tribes, in the Tiruvallur district will finally be able to fulfil their dream of owning a house. The construction of these houses undertaken by a non-profit organisation had hit a roadblock a few years ago due to financial issues.

“We never thought that we would be able to finish building the house. I was worried about my children’s safety, especially that of my daughter. Now I am at peace since we moved into our new home. Despite years of delay, we finally have a roof over our heads,” said Malathi, a widow, with five children.

The project, in line with the nation’s vision of housing for all by 2022, by Habitat for Humanity India, a housing non-profit organisation and Wells Fargo, a financial services company, had come to a sudden halt due to financial constraints faced by house owners.

In the project spanning between January and June 2022, construction was completed of 21 unfinished houses in Pazhaverkadu and 22 unfinished houses in Pondavakkam, enabling all 43 families to finally own their houses. Besides, the housing of the Irula families was extended with financial support through the project, empowering them to complete their unfinished houses, following the homeowner-driven construction method.

Commenting on the initiative, 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 with a foundation to break the shackles of poverty.”