Habitat for Humanity first began working in Nepal in 1997. In eight years, Habitat had helped 830 families. HFH Nepal then decided to increase its impact and reach more - and poorer - communities. The result was a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly housing program delivered through partnerships with non-government organizations, microfinance institutions and village lending and savings groups. In June 2011, HFH Nepal celebrated the 10,000th family it had served.

Typically, a Habitat house in Nepal measures about 31 sq. m. in area. It is made with bamboo wall panels on a timber frame finished with cement plaster. Galvanized iron sheets are used for roofing, which Habitat eventually plans to replace with corrugated bamboo roofing sheets.

Habitat favors the use of low-cost and environmentally sustainable bamboo, which is especially popular in the east. In other areas, Habitat commonly uses cement blocks or bricks and mud.

Each home partner family contributes sweat equity, or their own labor, to build their own house as well as those of others. Families also provide raw materials such as timber, bamboo or mud from their own land to reduce the loan they have to repay.

Habitat rebuilds homes following disasters and trains families to protect their lives and property against future calamities. To ensure timely and effective response, HFH Nepal has built up a network of suppliers who are ready to provide 1,000 prefabricated bamboo emergency shelters and transitional shelters.