Climate & Disaster Resilient Housing Improvement

The housing improvement programme is Tarayana’s flagship programme aimed at reducing vulnerabilities in the rural communities of Bhutan. Since the inception of the Foundation in 2003, new and improved shelters with home repairs and renovations have been facilitated through this programme in collaboration with various organizations, both domestic and international.

These houses are constructed using locally sourced materials and earthquake-resistant techniques to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance disaster resilience, considering Bhutan’s location in one of the world’s most seismically active zones.

As of April 2024, the Foundation has facilitated the construction of 2652 houses, thus enabling thousands of vulnerable and disadvantaged families to live dignified and stable lives. This effort empowers them to seek opportunities for a better tomorrow. Additionally, more than 50,000 community members have been trained to enhance their construction skills, such as carpentry and masonry, enabling them to earn a livelihood through this program.

In 2021, World Habitat, an international charity organization, awarded the Silver Award to the Tarayana Foundation’s Integrated Community Development Services for Poverty Reduction, specializing in housing programmes.