Disaster Reconstruction

Each year, devastating natural disasters leave millions homeless. Without a decent place to live, they are under threat from the elements and disease.

Supporting families affected by disasters requires immediate, comprehensive and collaborative actions. Long after humanitarian aid organisations have completed their relief work, and the TV cameras have gone, the need for quality shelter and housing remains for months and years.


Habitat’s response to disasters

More than 50,000 families worldwide have been served under Habitat’s disaster recovery programmes.

Habitat for Humanity is one of the few international charities entirely dedicated to long-term reconstruction and regeneration. We are committed to helping people rebuild their shattered communities. It took five years to help 25,000 families following the 2004 Asian Tsunami – more than any other non-government organisation - and we expect it will take five years to help 50,000 families in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.

Working through our own organisations on the ground, we work with local people, provide technical expertise and the resources to repair and rebuild homes.

 

Because we use local materials and simple, practical technology, our work helps to regenerate small local industries. We also provide technical assistance and training to other agencies and their partners, all of which contributes to long-term recovery.

We’re guided by clear principles:
  • We see the job through. We are a specialist long term reconstruction and regeneration agency, providing permanent housing solutions.
  • We build back better. Future disaster mitigation is a clear priority. Typically, homes are built to better withstand future disasters.
  • We provide local solutions to local problems. We don’t come in with preconceived notions. We start each project with fresh eyes by rigorously assessing the situation, enabling local people to drive the key decisions and responding to the real requirements of the community.

Disaster mitigation and preparedness

In certain places in the world, natural disasters are already regular and predictable. With the impact of climate change, further communities are becoming at greater risk of natural disasters.

It is now acknowledged worldwide that efforts to reduce disaster risks must be systematically integrated at both national and local level into policies, plans and programmes for sustainable development and poverty reduction. These efforts must be supported through bilateral, regional and international cooperation and partnerships. Some examples of how we do this are outlined below:

Introducing disaster mitigation and climate change adaptations by “design” in shelter and settlement projects.

  • We ensure that the relevant standards and building codes are correctly applied.
  • Where climate change or regular natural disasters are a threat, we incorporate mitigation elements into project design, to make homes more resilient. Example include proper land use, holisticsite selection, appropriate technology and culturally sensitive materials and construction practices.

Incorporating disaster preparedness training within homepartner training

  • All our homepartners receive training on house related issues. In those locations where natural disasters are frequent, disaster preparedness is included as part of the training.
  • Local Habitat for Humanity affiliates distribute literature with contact information, early warning mechanisms and evacuation procedures to communities and families.

Developing community-based disaster risk management programmes
  • Where disasters are predictable, Habitat for Humanity affiliates work with community groups to identify hazards, vulnerabilities, assets, resources and capacities present in their communities.
  • They help to devise risk management plans that may encompass early warning systems, evacuation plans and attention to vulnerable groups.
  • They also help to identify community projects that contribute to disaster mitigation and risk reduction. The plan is administered and maintained by an elected community task force and support is provided by Habitat to build organisational capacity.

(Links to current Disaster Response projects, Asian Tsunami report, homepartner stories)