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  Home >> Habitat Programs >> Habitat Model
 
Habitat Model
 
Habitat is not a hand-out but a “hand-up” program.
Fund for Humanity
  Family selection criteria
1
Low income groups, Indigenous tribal families, rural poor and marginalized sections (daily wage earners, low-income factory workers, agricultural workers, small and marginal farmers)
2
Family income below Rs. 6,000 (US$ 133) per month.
3
Possess Land tenure
4
Beneficiary should be able to contribute at least 1/3rd of the total cost of construction by way of materials, skilled labour and cash
5
Committed to contribute own sweat equity (shramadhana) towards unskilled labour
6
Willing to repay an affordable, no-profit loan sourced from Habitat and its donors the loan in monthly installments
   
 
Costs are kept down through the use of volunteer labor, and because of donations of money and materials.
 
Partnership
 
One-third partnership Model
The partnership widely practiced and encouraged at Habitat for Humanity India also referred as the One- third model

Habitat for Humanity India works in partnership with local, grass root Non Government Organizations and micro-finance organizations to reach people in need of decent housing. Habitat for Humanity India both builds and renovates homes through a one third partnership model. The cost of construction is equally borne by three stakeholders i.e. Beneficiary, Local NGO partner and Habitat for Humanity in One Third (1/3) proportion.     

The one –third contributed by the beneficiary includes their contribution in terms of building material and sweat equity of 200-250 hours. Habitat raises its one-third through its regular fundraising activities with corporates, foundations and individuals and the balance is raised by the local NGO partner.

Once the house is completed the repayment process starts. Mortgage payments contribute to a Fund for Humanity, which in turn provides the money to build more houses.
 
Simple, Decent and Affordable.
 
Habitat for Humanity houses around the world are built according to the same guiding principles:
 
Simple
Habitat houses are modestly-sized. They are large enough for the homeowner family's needs, but small enough to keep construction and maintenance costs to a minimum.

Decent
Habitat for Humanity uses quality, locally-available building materials. Habitat house designs reflect the local climate and culture.

Affordable
The labor of volunteers and partner families, efficient building methods, modest house sizes and no-profit loans make it affordable for low-income families to purchase Habitat houses.
 
House Type
Land: Registered land (owned by beneficiary or allotted by Government)

Plinth: 240-360 sq. ft. (22 sq. m. to 35 sq. m.)

Configuration: "Core" house of hall cum living room, kitchen, toilet, bathroom and verandah

Indicative Building Cost: Rs. 75,000 - Rs.100,000(US$ 1667 - 2223) per house

Sweat Equity: Homeowners usually provide the necessary unskilled labour

Repayments: Rs. 500 - Rs. 800 (US$12-20) per month

Loan Period: 5 years

Extension: Possible on full settlement of mortgage amount

House designs vary with locale, topography and weather condition
 
Typical Construction Characteristics

Foundations- Stone and Cement

Walls- Bricks with Cement Plaster

Roofs- Tiles, corrugated sheets, RCC

Habitat House Design

 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fund for Humanity Habitat House Design