Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh received US $17,200 from Macomb County Habitat for Humanity, USA.
The money was used by Savar, Kaliganj and Mymensingh Affiliates to build twenty-six homes.

The Resource Development Department of Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh is grateful for this generous contribution. Kindly accept our heartfelt gratitude for your donation. It helped us build twenty-six affordable, secure shelters for needy families.

We are providing homeowners’ stories and photographs. We are unable to send the photographs of all the twenty six houses as we do not have cameras in all target areas. As you read through the document, you will know the ups and downs of the families and their crucial need for durable housing.

With the partnering of Macomb County, Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh lifted twenty six families into new, safe housing. These houses bring a sense of ownership and added pride to the families. Children of these families now have a healthy and safe environment.

Once again Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh sincerely expresses gratitude to Macomb County for making it possible to build decent houses for deserving people in our communities.

Emelda Snigdha Mullick

Resource Development Manager

Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh

Rupu Begum is a housewife. She lives with her husband Md. Sontu Miah and four children in the village of Boali. Sontu Mia is a service holder and earns about 4500 taka (approx.$66) per month. They used to live in a C.I. sheet roofed mud and jute stick fenced house. That house was not secured and also small in size. So Rupu got involved with Habitat and started saving.  Considering her needs, Habitat built her house where she is now living with comfort and security.

Rupban Begum is a housewife from the village of Satani. She used to live in a poorly constructed house with her family. Her husband Md. Halim Sarker is a cook in profession. He earns about 4500 taka (approx.$66) monthly. They have  five children. Their house condition was not only poor, but they also felt insecure living in that neighborhood. So Rupban applied for a Habitat house. After considering her plight, Habitat helped her build a house. Now Rupban is living in a safe, decent house.

Jharna Costa and her husband Santos lived in the village of Piprashair. They owned a mud floored and bamboo walled house. It was not comfortable as well as not secure. Their monthly income is 3500 taka (approx.$52). They have five daughters and a son. So Jharna approached Habitat and became a member of the ‘Women’s Savings Group’. Now she has a very comfortable and secured house for her family.

Renu Begum is a housewife. Her husband Md. Heckmat Ali is a rickshaw puller. The name of their village is South Chuariakhola. They have a daughter. Previously, they were living in a poorly constructed house made of mud, bamboo and C.I. sheet for the roof. That house was small, unhealthy and insecure. So Renu became a member of Habitat’s Save & Build Program. With the help of Habitat, she now owns a decent house. Her family is very grateful to Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh for helping them build a safe shelter.

From Foriakhali, Kaliganj, Mrs. Monica Costa says: “I have only one son who is sickly. My husband Amal is the only earning member of the family. We never imagined having a decent house of our own. We are happy to have a permanent shelter."  Monica is hoping to find work. She says, "I am very industrious. My son can help me in raising poultry or cows. I want to work to help pay for my home."

Chandan Costa is a service man. He and his wife Kanon live with their three children in the village of South Bhadurty. The family income is 4200 taka (approx.$62) per month. Before having the Habitat house they were living in a small house made of mud and jute stick. The roof was made of C.I. sheet. The house was poorly constructed and small in size. So they applied to Habitat for a house and started saving money. Now they are living in a decent house which is secure and big enough to accommodate the family.

Mina Costa is a widow. After her husband Atul passed away the family faced terrible financial crisis. She has two sons and one daughter. They used to live in a very poorly constructed rented house. Though they had a small piece of land, they could not afford to build a house. One of her son works as a daily laborer. He earns about 3000 taka (approx.$44) per month. When Mina Costa came to know about Habitat’s Housing Program she became a member of the savings group. With the help of Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh, she now owns a house. She is  very happy and grateful to the USA donors.