Shelter for Life: Providing a Permanent Home for a Vulnerable Family in Ampara District, Sri Lanka

We are proud to announce the successful completion of the Shelter for Life housing initiative in Sankamankandy, Pottuvil, Ampara District, Sri Lanka. This project was generously sponsored In Memory of Senthy Chelvam and has provided a permanent home for Mrs. K. Puvaneswary and her family of seven, who were previously living in unsafe and inadequate shelter. 

From Urgent Need to Tangible Change: Building a Safe Haven for a Family in Need

In Sankamankandy, years of economic hardship and the lasting impact of civil conflict have left many families without proper shelter. Mrs. Puvaneswary’s family, including her husband, an ex-combatant who lost his leg during the war had been living in a dilapidated structure that offered little protection from the elements.

During a Vanni Hope field assessment, it became clear that this family’s most urgent need was a safe, permanent home. Their situation reflected a broader reality faced by many in rural Sri Lanka: poverty, limited access to secure housing, and few economic opportunities.

The Shelter for Life Project: A Comprehensive Approach

To address this urgent need, Vanni Hope implemented the Shelter for Life project, a comprehensive housing initiative designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term stability for the beneficiary family.

The project included the construction of a permanent home featuring two well-built rooms and an open veranda, offering both essential indoor living space and a shaded outdoor area for daily activities and gatherings. The structure was completed with a solid asbestos sheet roof and concrete-rendered floors, ensuring durability and protection against the elements.

In addition to the living space, the project incorporated vital facilities such as a toilet and a direct drinking water connection, significantly improving sanitation, hygiene, and overall health for the family. Every aspect of the build was carefully planned, with high-quality materials selected to ensure the home’s longevity and safety, while also being practical to maintain.

The design placed equal emphasis on affordability, resilience, and functionality allowing the family to live securely and comfortably without the burden of high maintenance costs. By combining structural strength with thoughtful design, the Shelter for Life project not only provided a physical roof over their heads but also laid the groundwork for a more stable and dignified future.

Restoring Dignity and Stability

This project represents far more than the construction of a house, it’s the foundation for a better future. Having a permanent, safe home gives the family:

• Protection from weather and environmental hazards
• A stable environment for the children to study and thrive
• Improved physical and mental well-being through secure living conditions
• A renewed sense of dignity and hope

With a secure base, the family can now focus on improving their livelihoods rather than worrying about where they will sleep each night.

With Gratitude and a Commitment to Continue

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the sponsor In Memory of Senthy Chelvam, whose generosity turned this vision into a reality. Your contribution has given one of the most vulnerable families in Ampara District the chance to rebuild their lives with hope and security.

We also acknowledge the dedication of our field staff, community partners, and local stakeholders, whose efforts ensured the project’s success from planning to completion.

At Vanni Hope, we believe that access to safe and permanent housing is a cornerstone of human dignity. This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets action. Together, we can continue to transform lives, one home at a time. Through this initiative, the family now has a secure place to live bringing safety, stability, and dignity to their everyday lives.

Watch the full video coverage below