Habitat for Humanity India Marks 42 Years with Volunteer Build in Karjat

Habitat for Humanity India commemorated 42 years of purposeful impact with a special Volunteer Build, in partnership with global business leaders and local families in Morewadi village in Pathraji Gram Panchayat, Karjat block, Raigad district, Maharashtra.

This hands-on build brought together distinguished global and Indian dignitaries, including Mr. Harlan Stone, Executive Chairman, HMTX Industries; Mr. Israel Cooper, Director and Founder, Home Development Group; Ms. Elizabeth Satow, Area Vice President (Asia-Pacific), Habitat for Humanity International; Mr. Anand Kumar Bolimera, National Director, Habitat for Humanity India and members of Habitat India’s Board of Trustees – Mrs. Sheila Kripalani (Chair), Mrs. Rajni Basumatary, Air Vice Marshal Samuel M. Nicodemus (Retd.) and Dr. Belinda Bennet.

Together with local families and community members, the group worked side by side to construct two homes for tribal families — an inspiring demonstration of solidarity and shared purpose that has defined Habitat’s journey in India for over four decades. The commemorative build reaffirmed Habitat’s enduring belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live, reflecting its mission of building homes, communities and hope.

This build is part of Habitat India’s housing programme for select tribal families in Karjat, aimed at strengthening community resilience through safe and sustainable housing. Beyond constructing durable homes, the project integrates sustainable and climate-resilient practices including the use of eco-friendly, locally sourced fly ash bricks; improved sanitation systems; access to renewable solar energy; rainwater-harvesting and greywater reuse systems. These interventions aim to reduce environmental impact while creating lasting value for the community.

Habitat India began working in Karjat in 2006 and has since supported more than 2,000 families through new home construction and home repair initiatives that have significantly improved living conditions across the region.

Speaking about the milestone event, Mr. Anand Kumar Bolimera, National Director, Habitat for Humanity India said: “As Habitat for Humanity India marks 42 years of its mission, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that every family has access to a safe and decent home. This build reflects our belief that housing is the foundation for dignity, health and opportunity. Our work complements the Government of India’s Housing for All vision and continues to promote sustainable, climate-resilient solutions that strengthen communities across the country.”

Ms. Hausa Ganpat, one of the two homeowners, shared “I am very excited about my new home because I will finally have a safe and comfortable place to live. I have been helping the masons with the construction but seeing so many people work with the same enthusiasm to help me build my home truly moved me. I feel happy and grateful to have met them.”

In support of UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities and in complement to the national housing priorities, Habitat for Humanity India continues to promote inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable housing solutions that empower individuals, uplift families and strengthen communities across both urban and rural India.