| Shelter
for survivors of disasters and conflict means more than
meeting the basic needs of protection from the elements,
privacy and security. Appropriate shelter response takes
into account the multiple dimensions of shelter as a
base for a family’s economic activities, as well
as social and cultural dynamics that define what is
and is not acceptable shelter. Oftentimes the most lethal
result of a disaster is the failure of houses and therefore
reconstruction should only employ disaster-resistant
construction technologies. Another important consideration
in shelter reconstruction is that it generates more
livelihood opportunities than just about any other economic
activity, thus speeding overall disaster recovery. Responding
to shelter needs can provide substantial opportunities
to mitigate the impact of disasters.
Representative
Projects:
United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), 1999:
InterWorks consultants served the USAID Office
of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance as shelter
specialists for their Disaster Assistance Response
Team (DART) in Kosovo. These specialists undertook
an emergency shelter assessment of the urban areas,
made policy recommendations for shelter response,
worked with implementing partners in the design
of emergency shelter response and supported the
logistical operation of importing construction
materials.
InterAmerican Development Bank, 1998:
InterWorks served as technical advisor on shelter
reconstruction and developed reconstruction policies
in Honduras after Hurricane Mitch.
InterWorks partners have provided technical services
to USAID Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Catholic
Relief Service in the policy development and design
of post-disaster reconstruction programs in the
Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin
Islands and American Samoa.
|
|
