Lowe’s International partners with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for 8 families
“I had never dreamt that I could have a complete house in this lifetime. Looking at all the women working alongside me, helping me build my home, has given me a newfound strength. I can finally sleep peacefully in my new home without any worries. I am grateful to all the volunteers,” said Pavithra, a future Habitat homeowner hailing from Tippu Nagar in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Living in a dilapidated house, Pavithra works as domestic help to eke out a living for her family consisting of 2 daughters and a son.
The urban housing shortage in India stands at 18.78 million units, out of which about 96% is in the Economically Weaker Section and Low Income Group categories. Women and children are most likely to be affected by poor living conditions and unhygienic surroundings. In many parts of India, women are still deprived of their basic human right to adequate housing, ownership of land and proper sanitation. Lowe’s has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to address the affordable housing crisis that is growing not just at a national level in India but globally.
Around 100 associates of Lowe’s India volunteered with 8 families in Tippu Nagar located in Bengaluru, Karnataka and helped them build homes. The Lowe’s Heroes worked alongside these future Habitat homeowners, empowered the underprivileged women and their families by rallying the cause of decent homes and safe sanitation for all.
“At Lowe’s India, our focus on corporate social responsibility is primarily on providing safe and affordable housing to communities around us. We are proud to associate with a cause that underlines our commitment to women – be as an employer or as a community partner. Our 2000+ associates who volunteer for community activities are referred to as Lowe’s Heroes and an opportunity to give back to the communities is an important component of our value proposition as an employer,” said James Brandt, SVP & Managing Director – Lowe’s India.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity India said, “Every woman needs a safe a decent place to live. It was heartening to see women coming together from all forces to empower other women and in turn to build a better, inclusive India. We are thankful Lowe’s and to all the volunteers of Lowe’s International and Lowe’s India for joining hands with us as well as ensuring that women in need of shelter have decent, safer places to live. Their act of volunteering will go a long way in helping these families achieve strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better life.”
