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 marginalized 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). This unique housing project which is estimated to be completed at the end of 2019, is unlike any Habitat Sri Lanka has embarked on before, as it concentrates on providing safe and decent housing solutions for persons with disabilities; an often marginalized, vulnerable and overlooked group in our community.
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 approximately 580 sq.ft. in extent, complete with two bedrooms, a living room, verandah, kitchen, attached toilet including plastering and painting. Phase 1 of the housing project will be focused in Negombo, where families of persons with disabilities, particularly visually impaired persons will benefit through the construction of new homes and the repair of existing homes in poor conditions. 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 being constructed in Nayanalokagama, Negombo.

More than 40 of these volunteers were Youth between the ages of 16-30 who 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, by bringing together youth who share the same vision, mission and passion for creating safe and decent housing for families in need across Sri Lanka.