Help families access the basic protections they need to build a better future.
Puthukkudiyiruppu, located in the Mullaitivu District of Northern Sri Lanka, was one of the areas most devastated during the final phases of the civil war. Over a decade since the end of the conflict, the scars of displacement and destruction remain visible—especially in the form of inadequate housing. After the war, multiple housing initiatives were launched to support returnees and resettled families. Among these was the “Sajith Housing Scheme”, a government-led programme that initially promised substantial support for war-affected families. While this programme brought some relief, many of the houses were left incomplete or constructed without adequate infrastructure such as toilets, water access, or secure land tenure. Despite the significant number of houses that were built during post-war reconstruction, gaps remain—particularly among the most vulnerable households:
- Female-headed families
- Elderly or disabled individuals
- Families without legal land documentation
- Those living in partially built or unsafe structures
This project will help change that. We will work with 20 families, reaching 100 people. Through close engagement with the local Grama Niladhari, community groups, and divisional officials, we have identified 20 of the most vulnerable families in Puthukkudiyiruppu who remain without adequate shelter. These families live in precarious conditions—some in incomplete structures, others in homes that are not safe or dignified. Many have slipped through the cracks of previous support programmes. Our approach is not just about building homes—it’s about restoring dignity and providing the foundational stability families need to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. How we’ll make it happen:
- Community-led construction: We will work through our local women’s empowerment collectives, who will lead and guide the construction process. As beneficiary-led homes, the community will help ensure building plans reflect real needs, and that local labour and support are actively mobilised.
- Securing land rights: Many families live on land without formal title. We will work closely with government authorities to ensure families have legal tenure and the necessary documentation to live without fear of eviction.
- Building strong, lasting homes: With the support of government engineers, community members, and our team, we will ensure that all homes are built to quality standards—safe, durable, and designed to last.
Why this matters When a family has secure shelter, their income can go toward food, education, and savings—not survival. A safe home becomes the foundation on which dignity, stability, and economic independence are built. Without secure housing, clean water, and legal identity, families remain trapped in crisis. This project provides essential foundational support—the protections every family deserves before they can begin to earn a stable, living income and shape their own future. Donate today and help these families secure their basic rights—and take the first step toward a life of dignity and possibility.