This project focused on upgrading or replacing existing housing units within three settlements in the city of Puri. Based in the eastern state of Orissa, which has the lowest social and human development indicators within India. All units were provided with household water, sanitation and electricity.

Puri Housing Upgrading was approved in partnership with SPARC Samudaya Nirman Sahayak (SSNS), and local organisations including the Urban and Development Resource Centre, the Orissa Slum Dwellers Federation and Mahila Milan (Women’s Federation) groups. The project was funded by drawing on government subsidies though the Basic Services to the Urban Poor initiative, wherein the government provides a 90% subsidy and 10% is contributed by communities. SSNS was able to organise these communities to meet the 10% contribution prior to construction, by opening a joint bank for occupants across all three settlements to collect savings, and then earn interest.

The majority of houses were constructed in the settlement of Gokha Sahi, with additional units based in Mishra Nolia Sahi and Mangala Sahi. They were selected using survey data which prioritised them as most vulnerable in term of existing housing and infrastructure facilities.