For 49% of Nepal’s population, or 15 million people, security, warmth, and an overall foundation for a stable life are still unattainable. In rural areas, particularly, homes are often fragile and vulnerable. Living under extreme weather conditions, these families are in a constant state of worry about their shelter. Finding a long-term solution requires not just better materials, but also a shift in mindset. 

While bamboo has always symbolized resilience, traditional bamboo homes often fail to withstand the very disasters they are meant to endure. Families spend years repairing fragile huts, only to see them damaged again by floods and storms, losing time, resources, and the chance for a secure future. For Gita Devi, that changed when she moved into her new home. Listen as she shares her journey.

The monsoon rains came without mercy, flooding the floors of Reshmi’s bamboo hut. The fragile roof sagged under the downpour, water dripping onto the mud walls as she and her two children huddled in a corner. The jungle loomed just beyond their door, and with it came a constant threat as snakes, insects, and scorpions often found their way inside. This was not just her reality; it was the reality of millions of families across Nepal’s rural plains.

India's climate is as diverse as its culture, but scorching summer months are a shared reality for millions. With urban areas experiencing “heat island” effects, and rural communities often lacking adequate shelter, many households find themselves facing insufferable indoor temperatures, soaring to 45 or 50 degrees celsius without proper insulation.

Imagine being decided upon, having your home taken from you overnight and being forced to rebuild with what you have left. For most people this is unimaginable, but for Rodelio and Marivic it became reality. The land their family had farmed for generations has been cleared for development, leaving them facing an uncertain future.