Habitat For Humanity India Unveils Brick-Aid For Housing Support

Habitat for Humanity India has launched Brick-Aid, a nationwide digital giving campaign to serve as a clarion call for collective action to support safe, secure and decent homes for the most marginalized and vulnerable sections of society. The initiative was announced on the sidelines of commemoration of 42 years of Habitat’s impactful journey in India, which brought together senior business leaders, global stakeholders, philanthropic partners and celebrity champions of the cause - building resilient, sustainable homes and climate-resilient communities- “one brick at a time, one home at a time, one family at a time.”

The campaign’s announcement by leaders such as Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, IndiaBUILDS Advisory Committee and celebrity champions like Mr. John Abraham and Ms. Jacqueline Fernandes gave the campaign a strong foundation. It also marks a pivotal intersection in India’s urban development journey, coinciding with Habitat for Humanity India’s 42nd anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the IndiaBUILDS Advisory Committee - A collective of highly inspired business leaders and philanthropists supporting Habitat India. Through the convergence of volunteerism, strategic partnerships and compelling storytelling, the event celebrated Habitat’s milestones while charting the course ahead - raising awareness and resources for the current need for housing, advancing green building practices, renewable energy and climate-resilient designs integration in affordable housing sector catering to the most vulnerable sections of society. 

The Brick-Aid Digital Fundraising Campaign is a virtual campaign that invites individuals to symbolically ‘donate a brick’ to help build homes for families in need. Each virtual brick moves people’s hands and hearts toward Habitat’s mission of creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Supporters of Habitat, donors and volunteers alike can donate at least one brick and encourage them to nominate or challenge friends and family to do the same, creating a ripple effect through a peer-to-peer, multi-level giving model.

Mr. Anand Kumar Bolimera, National Director, Habitat for Humanity India, said, “The Brick-Aid campaign is more than a fundraising effort, it is a collective call to action for building sustainable, equitable communities. Every pledge brings us closer to the vision of housing that not only shelters people but supports their basic standard of living. We are deeply thankful to our IndiaBUILDS Advisory Committee and all our supporters who continue to stand with us on this journey. It is this unwavering support that continues to strengthen Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities and hope across India.”

Building on the spirit of the campaign, Habitat supporters at the launch also witnessed an insightful panel discussion on “Housing for All” featuring Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Managing Director of Hiranandani Group of Companies, Chairman- NAREDCO National and member of the IndiaBUILDS Advisory Committee (IBAC); Mr. Jayesh Shah, Director of Svatantra Housing Microfinance Corporation and Mr. Patrick Canagasingham, Chief Operating Officer, Habitat for Humanity International. Guiding the conversation was Mr. Dhaval Monani, Professor at Anant National University and Advisory Board Member, TCIS, who moderated the panel.

While addressing the event, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani highlighted that, for the first time since Independence, the government has allocated ₹60,000 crore each for urban and rural housing—an unprecedented investment aimed at expanding subsidies for low-income, middle-income and economically weaker sections.

He emphasised that this commitment not only advances the national goal of ‘Housing for All’ but also creates significant avenues for private sector participation in strengthening India’s housing ecosystem. Dr. Hiranandani further commended Habitat India’s efforts, noting how the organisation’s initiatives align seamlessly with this national vision and play a critical role in mobilising citizens, corporates and communities to accelerate access to safe, affordable housing across the country.

At the commemoration of Habitat’s 42 years of impact in India, Ms. Jacqueline Fernandez reflected on her association with the organisation through a heartfelt address. She also shared her thoughts on the Brick-Aid campaign, saying, “With the Brick-Aid campaign we have a chance to build one brick at a time, one home at a time, one life at a time, together. Because when we build, we don’t build walls and roofs, we create hope, dignity and belonging.”

Other distinguished guests such as Mrs. Rajashree ji Birla; Mrs. Sheila Kripalani, Chairperson, Habitat for Humanity India; Mr. Harlan Stone, Chairperson, Asia Pacific Development Council, Habitat for Humanity and Mrs. Rajni Basumatary, Filmmaker, Trustee, Habitat for Humanity India, also lent their voices and visibility to the campaign, spotlighting its significance.

With over four decades of dedicated service, Habitat for Humanity India and its network organisations – Micro Build India, the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS) and other Civil Society Organisations have impacted more than 97 lakh people through its housing, sanitation and disaster response programmes. 

With this impact, over 78 lakh individuals now live in safer, more dignified homes built or improved through Habitat’s support, while more than 15 lakh people have benefited from its Housing Disaster Resilience and Response initiatives that help families prepare for and recover from natural disasters. In addition, Habitat’s WASH interventions have reached over 34 lakh people, strengthening access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene. Together, these efforts reflect Habitat for Humanity India’s enduring commitment to building safe, sustainable and resilient communities across the country.