The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) co-ordinates construction of new homes and repair of damaged houses for tsunami affected families and those struggling with poverty in Seenigama and the surrounding regions. Electricity and sanitation are also provided where possible.

With the support of donors both large and small, FoG has constructed more than 620 new homes in Seenigama and neighbouring villages, and restored 401 partly-damaged homes in the region.

Many of the homes provided through projects and individual sponsorships are of a higher standard than their owner’s previous house, and come with modern amenities, essential household items and a private garden.

Since its inception, the Foundation of Goodness has taken on a myriad of housing projects in the Seenigama region.

Major housing projects

Swiss charitable foundation Children Action sponsored 200 new and 200 restored homes in the Seenigama region, making it the largest single donor for the housing sector. This support has had an immense impact on the lives of tsunami affected families.

The KPMG/LOLC village is a unique community-centric development which re-housed 50 families who lost their home to the tsunami, and the WNS/AVIVA village  has also provided ten families with new homes and many more with access to the library, internet centre, salon, community hall and shop that were created as part of the village. Adjacent to this complex are nine of the 30 homes donated by the Perth City Council.

For residents who could not reclaim their land due to the 100m buffer zone imposed post- tsunami, the Victorian State Government stepped in with the Victoria Gardens Housing Complex . Scheduled for completion in September 2007, this project will house 84 families in two story duplex houses constructed following Australian standards. Victoria Gardens will also feature special facilities such as an onsite sewerage processing plant, and is set to be one of the best post-tsunami housing complexes in the area.

Tsunami housing relief

Directly following the tsunami, after clearing the major rubble and debris, the Foundation established and managed a temporary camp for 750 displaced villagers for four months (pictured above left and centre). This included the supply of food and water, restoration of power, provision of sanitation facilities, provision of relief supplies, provision of medical aid, psycho-social support and counselling of those affected, and the provision of clothing.

Thereafter, the displaced villagers were moved to more temporary shelter in the form of small wooden housing (pictured above right) and were provided with all of the basic necessities, including toilets, power, and safe drinking water.

In March 2005, the first model house (pictured above right) was built and opened. The recipient, Nandanwathi (above left), was one of the poorest women in Seenigama. A mother of four children, she was overjoyed by her new home.