This Project is funded by:

The project 'Homes not Houses: Building a Sustainable Future Together' aims to bridge the gap between relief, rehabilitation and development for resilient and secure communities in the North and East. Funded by the European Union, the project commenced on 15th January 2016 and will run for 36 months.

Regarding the project, Mr. Greg Foster, Area Vice President for Habitat for Humanity Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) said, "In Habitat for Humanity, we believe that housing is not a product but a process. It is not enough to build houses, we need to turn them into homes and empower homeowners to transition from poverty and dependency to independence and self-sufficiency. This is exactly what we have suggested to do for the war affected communities in Sri Lanka."

 With a financial envelope of € 14.7 million, thousands of people are expected to benefit from the support provided by the EU to build houses and improve community infrastructure for internally displaced people and returnees. The activities will be implemented in select divisions of the Killinochchi, Mullaitivu and Batticaloa districts.

As part of this project, incremental houses will be constructed for families under the accompanied home -owner driven approach. This approach encourages home-owners to take ownership of their homes, with extensive orientation and training given on technical aspects and house lifecycle management. The participatory method of decision-making within this approach helps home-owners to develop their skills and self-reliance.

To ensure the development of integrated and sustainable communities, that are empowered to make informed decisions regarding their future, flanking measures will be provided by World Vision Lanka as part of this project.

Some of the more focused initiatives are training in construction and alternative building materials and methods and support of construction entrepreneurs or micro, small and medium enterprises to create sustainable livelihood and supply chain solutions. Furthermore, financial literacy and small livelihood loans will be provided and beneficiaries encouraged to join Savings Clubs. Community-based organizations will also be strengthened in planning, training, leadership development and peace building.

The contract signing ceremony was held on 7th December 2015, with H.E. Mr. David Daly (Ambassador and Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka & the Maldives) and Mr. Greg Foster (Area Vice President of
Habitat for Humanity EMEA) being the signatories.

Left to right: Ms. Libuše Soukupová
(Head of Development Cooperation, Delegationof the European Union to Sri Lanka & the Maldives),
Mr. V. Sivagnanasothy (Secretary, Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs),
H.E. Mr. David Daly (Ambassador and Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka & the Maldives), Mr. Greg Foster (Area Vice President, Habitat for Humanity EMEA) and Dr. Dinesh Kanagaratnam (National Director, Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka)