Eureka Homes

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Why Eureka Homes?

Tribal homeless families are living in extremely poor conditions, in makeshift shelters made of plastic sheets, tin, and scrap wood. These huts offer no safety, security, or privacy. During heavy rains, roofs leak and floors flood, forcing children to sleep on wet ground and leading to frequent illnesses. This affects their ability to attend school regularly and impacts their learning.

With no proper walls or storage, families struggle to protect food and belongings, which often get damaged by moisture and pests. Living in such unstable conditions causes constant physical and emotional stress. Immediate housing support is crucial to restore dignity and ensure a safer, healthier future.

What is Eureka Homes?

Eureka Homes is an initiative that builds permanent, low-cost pucca homes with essential amenities for marginalized families living in unsafe shelters. It aims to provide safe, stable housing where families can live with dignity.

The homes are simple yet durable, designed to meet basic needs. A key focus is community participation—villages help identify the most deserving families through a transparent process. Beneficiary families also take part in construction, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. Through this approach, Eureka Homes promotes both housing security and community empowerment.

When was Eureka Homes launched?

The Eureka Homes Project was launched by AID India in 2015 to support marginalized families in Tamil Nadu who lost their homes or were living in unsafe conditions, especially after the 2015 floods.

The initiative later extended support to communities affected by Cyclone Vardah (2016), Cyclone Gaja (2018), and the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Eureka Homes continues to provide safe, permanent housing to families impacted by multiple crises.

Who are these individuals?

The beneficiaries of Eureka Homes are marginalized families, including tribal communities such as Irulas, Adiyans, Malayalis, and Narikkuravars, along with other scheduled caste and most backward communities. Many live in fragile huts that cannot withstand harsh weather.

The initiative also prioritizes single women with children, elderly individuals without support, and people with disabilities who struggle to maintain safe housing. Beneficiaries are identified through a careful, community-based process by field teams to ensure support reaches those most in need.

How are these homes built?

Eureka Homes are built through a structured process that combines efficient construction with strong community participation. Once beneficiaries are identified, work begins with planning and laying the foundation.

Families actively contribute labour—such as helping with the foundation—which reduces costs and builds a sense of ownership. Construction typically takes three to four months, during which walls, roofing, and essential features are completed. The result is a durable pucca home that offers safety, stability, and dignity.

Impact of Eureka Homes

No. of homes: 932 homes in development; 848 completed, 84 under construction
No. of renovated homes: 33
No. of bathrooms constructed: 150 bathrooms in development; 85 completed, 65 under construction
Renovated Govt. schools: 13