December 17th 2007: Robin Raina Foundation (RRF) announced today that it has finished the first phase of its ambitious plan to build 6000 free homes for the slum dwellers of Delhi and has handed over possession of 65 homes to the slum dweller families of Delhi yesterday. The project is seen as the most ambitious charity project undertaken by any organization without government help.

In a function organized recently during RRF Founder Robin Raina’s visit to the slums of Bawana, Delhi yesterday, Robin handed over the keys of each of these 65 homes to the slum dweller families of the region. In typical RRF fashion, the inauguration and ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted by 75 year old Nathu Devi, a new slum home owner. The function was covered by a variety of Indian media including Aaj Tak and Zee TV

Each of the homes is 4 sided brick and has a concrete roof done exactly the way as any other middle class house in Delhi would have been built. Each home is built on a solid brick foundation of 4 feet. The home has two rooms, four power points, two fans and an exhaust fan. The homes look aesthetically nice from outside having been painted in two colors – blue and light brown alternately, to give individuality to each home. Each home carries a nice granite name plate outside the home. That is a big deal to them as till now they did not necessarily have an address. Each of these homes today has taken a legal electric connection and has power in their home.

In the first phase, RRF decided to build 140 homes by December of 2007. RRF hired a whole new employee base to manage this work on the ground, brought in 130 laborers, a few project managers and just jumped into the work. Today, I can look back at that decision and feel proud about it as the 140 homes are ready and people are living in them today. What makes this a rather satisfying experience is the fact that in the areas that we have built these homes, you could not call it a slum by any means today. These homes are sturdy, aesthetically beautiful and well designed.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Robin said, “What makes this a rather satisfying experience is the fact that in the areas that the homes have been built, you cannot tell by any means that this area could have been a slum at anytime. These homes are sturdy, aesthetically beautiful and well designed. Granting of a home to anybody is the most humbling experience and one has to experience it to understand it.”

Robin also announced that work to build 125 more homes has already started. He communicated that he expects the project to build 6000 homes to continue for the next few years.

At the occasion, Robin also released an appeal to all well meaning people around the world to donate to the cause of building these homes at a cost of $1600 per home Launching the Sponsor a Home program, Robin also released his appeal on the subject in the form of a cover story for its flagship charity magazine Lifeline’s 2008 January issue named – A $15 MILLON DREAM.

Robin’s appeal under his signatures can be read by clicking here.

Robin also issued an appeal to all its supporters to donate generously to the building efforts. All donations payable to “Robin Raina Foundation” should be sent to:

Robin Raina Foundation – A $15 million Dream,
510 Covington Cove
Alpharetta, GA 30022

About the Robin Raina Foundation
A 501(c) charity, Raina foundation has been setup to raise funds for work to be carried out to empower children who need help around the world. The foundation's focus is to make a difference in the lives of children - who are handicapped, blind, mentally challenged, sick or in need of urgent medical help and underprivileged kids who need education.

RRF Contacts:
Sanjay Supehia (678)517-8688
ssupehia@rainafoundation.com

Ashish Arora (678)910-2604
aarora@rainafoundation.com