Nilai Kadraka, a 62-year-old widow from Bhujabala village in Odisha, lived many years under the constant fear of wind, rain, and fire. Her small thatched house, roofed with paddy straw, offered little protection. During every monsoon, rainwater would leak through the holes, soaking everything inside. Each year, replacing the temporary straw roof cost her nearly ₹15,000 ($178), an expense she could barely afford.
Collecting enough straw from nearby forests became harder year after year. In desperation, she purchased old tin sheets to cover the damaged roof, but even those were full of gaps, leaving her family at risk during storms. With limited income and increasing hardships, her dream of living in a safe house seemed impossible.
Everything began to change when Nilai came in contact with our staff, the HDF(Human Development Facilitator) during his household visits. She attended a community meeting on the issue of poor housing conditions and was determined to find a solution for her family. With support from the Community-Based Organization (CBO), she submitted the necessary documents to the Panchayat Office.
Her application was approved, she received ₹1,28,000 ( $1,547) in government assistance, disbursed in three installments. Although grateful, the amount was not enough to build her dream home. Motivated and courageous, Nilai sold her old thatched house for ₹98,400 ( $1,190) and used the money to complete construction.
Today, Nilai proudly lives in her newly built concrete-roofed home on her own land. The house has ample space, a hall, a kitchen, bedrooms, a worship area, and proper electrification. It’s more than a home; it’s a symbol of dignity, safety, and hope.
When the house was completed, she celebrated with her family and neighbors, marking a joyful new beginning. Nilai is deeply thankful to the Ooutreach India, community CBO and the government support that helped transform her long-awaited dream into a beautiful reality. Now, she enjoys a safe and secure life with her son and daughter-in-law — finally free from fear and uncertainty.