Genesis Housing Group is pleased to announce that following a donation of £50,000 to Homeless International to support two tsunami-affected Sri Lankan communities, the construction of 15 houses and related infrastructure is now complete.

Fifteen families in the areas of Kosgoda and Payagala were living close to the beach in December 2004 at the time of the tsunami, and have been living in temporary shelter ever since.

With support from Sevantha, Homeless International's partner in Sri Lanka, the families formed a savings group and purchased plots of land before carrying out much of the building work themselves.

Genesis funded the construction of housing and related common infrastructure for these families. The fifteen houses now have concrete paved access roads, water and electricity supply, drainage and private toilets.

Anu Vedi, Chief Executive of Genesis Housing Group, said, 'We are extremely pleased to support Homeless International and its partners in the local area who have worked so hard to help rebuild lives after the tsunami. There has been great partnership working and Genesis is committed to a long-term relationship with this remarkable community of 15 enterprising families in Sri Lanka."

Larry English, Chief Executive of Homeless International said, "We are very pleased that Genesis Housing Group has provided funding for Sevantha's rebuilding initiatives, and are encouraged by Genesis' desire to support the ongoing development of these communities. Relationships such as these, between UK housing associations and community-based housing institutions in developing countries are vital and exemplary".

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For further information or images, please contact Diana Evans,

diana.evans@ghg.org.uk


Notes to Editors

Homeless International supports partners in Africa and Asia that are working with poor communities to reduce poverty and to improve living conditions. We believe that poor communities have a right to safe and secure housing, and that through working together to express their ideas and needs, they can play a central role in creating equitable cities.

Homeless International's uniqueness from other charities draws from the long-term working relationships we have with partners rather than providing one-off grants for short-term projects. This means we can develop new initiatives with our partners over a number of years. If you would like to find out more about the work of Homeless International and our partners in Asia and Africa visit
www.homeless-international.org

Sevantha is a local non-governmental organisation (NGO). It has been active for over 17 years, developing micro credit programmes, urban environmental improvement programmes and carrying out awareness-raising on urban poverty issues in Sri Lanka.

Genesis Housing Group is a social investment business. It provides homes and services, supporting customers and communities to build futures. Genesis provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east of England. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads, Springboard and St Matthew housing associations. Genesis also has in its group a charitable foundation, Genesis Community. It is one of the largest and most successful housing groups in the UK, owning and/or managing more than 38,000 homes. Its overriding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.