The ASK Group, through its social wing, LIFE Mumbai had made a major contribution to Habitat for Humanity India to build 100 homes to provide decent shelter to tribal families in Karjat. Today, at the event that marked the handing over of these homes to the beneficiaries, Mr. Asit Koticha, Chairman ASK Group, announced that he would now partner Habitat for Humanity to build another 1200 homes in Maharashtra and Gujarat over the next two years. “We are extremely happy with Habitat’s approach to providing low cost housing to the underprivileged people. Their robust and transparent processes gives us the confidence to partner them on a long term basis”.

The handing over was held at the Rivergate Resort at Karjat where over 275 villagers representing 42 villages were present. In an emotional ceremony, the beneficiaries thanked ASK and all the donors who have helped people like them.

Present amongst the dignitaries was the Habitat for Humanity, Advisory Board member Mr. Ramesh Ramachandran, CEO Dow Chemicals..

About Habitat for Humanity

The IndiaBUILDS campaign of Habitat for Humanity, aims to provide decent shelter for 250,000 needy people by 2010.

Popular Indian film-star John Abraham has joined Habitat for Humanity in a campaign to combat poverty housing in India and around the world.

"I believe that to be happy in life you need a home. You need to go back to something. You need to go back to those four walls which belong to you, which you belong to," John said. "We have more than 300 million people in India who lack proper shelter. Habitat for Humanity has come in at the right time and, with the help of John's Brigade, Habitat for Humanity is going to help us build a lot more homes for a lot more people."

Background

Habitat for Humanity is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. HFH has built more than 225,000 houses in 100 countries globally, and over 1.1 million people are living in Habitat homes they helped build and which they own through low-cost, no-profit mortgages.

There are Habitat resource centers in Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi and Mumbai and satellite centers in the south and east. New partnerships with corporate supporters and NGO partners extend Habitat's presence to the rest of India.

Habitat house designs and materials vary with climate and locale. Typically, house designs range in size from 240 to 360 sq. ft. and comprise a living room/ bedroom, kitchen and toilet.

HFH India uses a Save & Build housing concept in order to reach more communities in need. Under Save & Build, homeowner families (usually working in groups) save one-third of the cost of the house, with Habitat arranging the balance funds from NGO's, Corporate's in India and from HFH International.

Habitat for Humanity India Trust is a Registered Trust in India. Contributions are exempt under Section 80G of the Indian Income Tax Act.