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Eco-Shelter is a social enterprise increasing access to safe and affordable roofing for low-income households in India.

**Thanks to you, we reached our crowdfunding campaign goal!**

Your donation will allow us to build demonstration homes and buildings for communities in need while testing product-market fit and exploring innovative methods of distribution to reach scale. Together, we can pave a path to provide millions of families with a safe and enduring roof over their head.

The Eco-Shelter pilot project is fiscally sponsored by Angels For Angels (EIN 27-5180670), a Washington State non-profit whose mission is to support social entrepreneurs. All donations to the Eco-Shelter project are tax-deductible and eligible for corporate matching.

Why Roofs?

Shelter is a basic human need. Of all of the elements of shelter, the roof is arguably the most important as it provides protection from the sun, rain, and other harsh environmental conditions. A quality roof can offer a sense of security, dignity, and pride in one’s home.

Current options are:

hazardous,

Roofs can become breeding grounds for disease transmitting insects, contain toxic elements such as asbestos, or can make a home so hot it becomes deadly.

expensive,

Repairing and maintaining a roof of sub-optimal material is time-intensive and can become costly. More durable options come with price tags which are unaffordable for poor households.

and fragile.

The least expensive roofing options leak, corrode, crack, and can even collapse.

Our Product

Eco-Shelter’s pilot product, the Eco-Roof Panel, is made from resin-coated bamboo mats that are pressed and sealed to form a strong, lightweight, water- and flame-resistant panel. Bamboo is a fast growing, carbon-sequestering, renewable resource.

Durable bamboo panels last for more than 25 years, and their insulative properties and reflective coating keep homes several degrees cooler than metal or asbestos cement alternatives.

This simple solution can have a huge impact. We need your help to continue research and development to make these roofs even more affordable and accessible for those most in need.

Donate now

About Us

Eco-Shelter was founded by Alexa Bednarz after spending seven years working in design and delivery of global health products at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Alexa’s interest in roofing began after reading several studies which suggested housing improvements –and roofing in particular– were financial priorities for many low-income households globally. After living and working in New Delhi, India Alexa began to learn more about the housing and roofing issues faced by many low-income Indian families living in informal urban settlements.

Eco-Shelter is supported by dedicated advisors, volunteers, and partners in the U.S. and India lending their technical, financial, legal, and development sector expertise.

If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity or would like to learn more about how you can get involved, please contact us.

Special thanks to our partners and supporters:

Join Us

We’re Hiring! We are currently seeking a Program Coordinator based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Review full job posting on Indeed here. Applications are due by January 15, 2020. To apply, email your resume and cover letter using the “send us a message” button below.

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Thank you for supporting us on the journey to make safe and affordable roofing accessible to those most in need.