The generosity that keeps us going

In January 2021, Habitat for Humanity Singapore partnered with consumer products company SC Johnson, maker of iconic brands such as MR MUSCLE®, BAYGON®, GLADE®, to support decluttering, cleaning and fumigation works for homes under our Project HomeWorks programme over the last year.

The generous grant of over 85,000 Singapore dollars (about US$63,000) from SC Johnson enabled Habitat Singapore to support 52 homeowners who are mostly low-income, older people or people with disabilities, with minimal family, social or financial support. For more than 130 years, SC Johnson has been guided by the goal to make the world a better place for the next generation. Their aspiration of a world that is sustainable, transparent, healthy and with more opportunities for all resonates with Habitat’s vision.

SC Johnson’s partnership made a significant difference to Habitat Singapore’s ability to serve families amid the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Singapore government has implemented safe distancing and other measures. In compliance with the restrictions, we had to suspend popular volunteering activities with members of the public and corporates that had been key supporters of Project HomeWorks.

With fewer volunteers and reduced corporate donations, Habitat Singapore was unable to serve as many families as before. We also had to halve the number of homes that could be decluttered and cleaned per session. Over a period of seven months, we could only rely on the efforts of our staff and long-term regular volunteers which meant increased operational costs.

Despite the constraints, we remain committed to ensure that quality home rehabilitation services continue alongside effective collaborations with community partners to bring about sustainable change for homeowners. With the trust and support of SC Johnson, we were able to partner with 52 homeowners to have a clean, safe, and healthy place to live in. Here are some of their stories.

1. Mr. Saini

After he was retrenched in April 2020, Mr. Saini faced health issues which left him immobile and unable to clear the growing mountain of food packets in his home. With the help of Habitat Singapore, the living space was cleared and transformed. Read more about Mr. Saini’s story here.

2. Mr. Amirans and his mother

Before getting married and starting his own family, Mr. Amirans was determined to transform his cramped and bedbug-infested house into a dream home for his mother. Partnering with Habitat Singapore, he cleaned up and organized the living room and kitchen and eliminated bedbugs from the bedrooms. Learn about Mr. Amirans’ story here.

3. Mdm. Lai

Mdm. Lai started accumulating items in her house after her husband passed away over 30 years ago. As her eyesight and arthritis worsened with age, she was unable to throw away the items on her own. It got so bad that she had to crawl on top of things to get around the house. It took six sessions of decluttering and cleaning to transform her home into one that is safe and comfortable. Read Mdm. Lai’s story here.

With a little help and partners such as SC Johnson, these homeowners have achieved positive outcomes made possible by having a decent place to live. With your support, more homeowners will achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families. For corporate partnership opportunities, please contact us at info@habitat.org.sg!

About SC Johnson

Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin USA, SC Johnson believes that a more sustainable, healthier and transparent world that inspires people and creates opportunities isn't just possible – it's our responsibility.

A heritage of innovation and bold, transparent decisions is why our high-quality products and iconic brands – including OFF!® Raid®, Glade®, Windex®, Scrubbing Bubbles®, Ziploc®, Mrs. Meyers®, method®, Autan®, Baygon®, Mr Muscle®, Duck®, Lysoform® and more – are in homes, schools and businesses in virtually every country worldwide.

As a global, purpose-led company, we are committed to making the world a better place today and for future generations. That means relentlessly bringing our expertise in science, innovation and partnerships to bear on some of the world's most pressing environmental and health issues like reducing plastic waste and eradicating malaria. Around the world, we use our resources to unlock greater economic and educational opportunities for people and communities where access may be limited, but curiosity and potential are limitless.

See how SC Johnson is a Family Company At Work For a Better World by visiting scjohnson.com or joining us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.