Creating Emergency Shelter Options: A Global Guide

Natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other emergencies can force people to flee their homes, leaving them without shelter. Providing safe and adequate emergency shelter is a critical component of humanitarian response, offering immediate protection from the elements, security, and a sense of normalcy amidst chaos. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of emergency shelter options, planning considerations, and implementation strategies for organizations and individuals involved in disaster relief and humanitarian aid around the world.

Understanding the Need for Emergency Shelter

Emergency shelter is more than just a roof over someone's head. It is a fundamental human right that contributes to physical and psychological well-being. Without adequate shelter, displaced populations are vulnerable to:

• Exposure to the elements: Extreme weather conditions can lead to hypothermia, heatstroke, and other health problems.
• Disease: Overcrowding and poor sanitation in makeshift shelters can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases.
• Violence and exploitation: Unsafe shelter environments can increase the risk of gender-based violence, theft, and other forms of exploitation.
• Psychological distress: Loss of home and security can cause trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Therefore, effective emergency shelter solutions must address not only immediate physical needs but also provide a safe, secure, and dignified environment for displaced individuals and families.

Types of Emergency Shelter Options

The choice of emergency shelter depends on various factors, including the nature of the disaster, the number of displaced people, the availability of resources, and the local context. Some common options include:

1. Collective Shelters

Collective shelters, such as schools, community centers, and stadiums, are often the first option in an emergency. These buildings can be quickly converted into temporary housing for large numbers of people.

Advantages:

• Rapid deployment
• Cost-effective
• Utilizes existing infrastructure

Disadvantages:

• Limited privacy
• Potential for overcrowding
• Challenges in managing sanitation and hygiene
• May disrupt community activities

Best Practices:

• Designate separate areas for families, single individuals, and vulnerable groups.
• Provide adequate sanitation facilities, including toilets and washing areas.
• Establish clear rules and guidelines for shelter management and security.
• Engage community members in the planning and management of the shelter.
• Implement measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Example: During the 2010 Haiti earthquake, schools and churches were used as collective shelters for hundreds of thousands of displaced people.

2. Tents and Tarpaulins

Tents and tarpaulins provide a more private and flexible shelter option compared to collective shelters. They can be easily transported and erected in various locations.

Advantages:

• Relatively inexpensive
• Easy to transport and assemble
• Provides more privacy than collective shelters
• Can be used in a variety of terrains

Disadvantages:

• Limited durability
• Vulnerable to extreme weather conditions
• May require site preparation
• Can be difficult to secure

Best Practices:

• Choose durable, weather-resistant tents and tarpaulins.
• Provide training on proper tent erection and maintenance.
• Ensure adequate drainage to prevent flooding.
• Distribute tents and tarpaulins equitably, prioritizing vulnerable groups.
• Provide security measures to protect against theft and violence.

Example: UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) routinely distributes tents and tarpaulins to refugees and internally displaced persons in conflict zones around the world.

3. Transitional Shelters

Transitional shelters are semi-permanent structures designed to provide more durable and comfortable housing than tents or tarpaulins. They are often constructed using locally available materials.

Advantages:

• More durable and weather-resistant than tents
• Can be built using local materials and skills
• Provides a more comfortable and dignified living environment
• Promotes community ownership and self-reliance

Disadvantages:

• More expensive and time-consuming to construct than tents
• Requires skilled labor and technical expertise
• May not be suitable for all terrains
• Can be difficult to dismantle and relocate

Best Practices:

• Involve community members in the design and construction process.
• Use locally available and sustainable materials.
• Ensure that shelters are built to withstand local weather conditions.
• Provide training on shelter maintenance and repair.
• Promote community ownership and management of the shelters.

Example: After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, various organizations supported the construction of transitional shelters using bamboo and other local materials.

4. Host Family Support

In some cases, displaced people can be hosted by families in nearby communities. This option can provide a more familiar and supportive environment than formal shelters.

Advantages:

• Provides a more personal and supportive environment
• Reduces the burden on formal shelter facilities
• Promotes integration and social cohesion
• Can be more cost-effective than other shelter options

Disadvantages:

• Requires careful screening and monitoring of host families
• Can place a strain on host family resources
• May be difficult to implement in large-scale emergencies
• Potential for conflict between host families and displaced persons

Best Practices:

• Conduct thorough screening and assessment of host families.
• Provide financial or in-kind support to host families.
• Offer training and counseling to both host families and displaced persons.
• Establish clear guidelines and expectations for both parties.
• Monitor the situation regularly to address any problems or concerns.

Example: During the Syrian refugee crisis, many families in neighboring countries opened their homes to Syrian refugees.

5. Self-Settled Shelters

Sometimes, displaced people will create their own shelters using available materials. This is often the case in protracted crises or where formal shelter options are limited.

Advantages:

• Empowers displaced people to take control of their own shelter
• Can be adapted to local conditions and resources
• May be more sustainable than other shelter options
• Reduces reliance on external aid

Disadvantages:

• May result in unsafe or inadequate shelter conditions
• Can lead to environmental degradation
• May create challenges for service delivery
• Can be difficult to regulate and manage

Best Practices:

• Provide technical assistance and training on safe shelter construction.
• Supply essential materials, such as tools and roofing sheets.
• Promote sustainable building practices.
• Work with communities to improve sanitation and hygiene.
• Address land tenure issues to ensure security of tenure.

Example: In many informal settlements around the world, residents have built their own homes using a variety of materials.

Planning Considerations for Emergency Shelter

Effective emergency shelter planning requires careful consideration of various factors, including:

1. Needs Assessment

A thorough needs assessment is essential to understand the specific shelter needs of the affected population. This assessment should consider factors such as:

• The number of displaced people
• Their demographic characteristics (age, gender, disability)
• Their pre-displacement living conditions
• Their cultural preferences
• The availability of local resources
• The potential environmental impact

The assessment should involve direct consultation with displaced people to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met.

2. Site Selection

The selection of appropriate shelter sites is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced populations. Key considerations include:

• Safety: The site should be free from hazards such as flooding, landslides, and conflict.
• Accessibility: The site should be easily accessible to displaced people and humanitarian aid providers.
• Water and sanitation: The site should have access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities.
• Space: The site should have enough space to accommodate the displaced population and provide adequate living space per person.
• Environmental impact: The site should be selected to minimize environmental damage.

3. Shelter Standards

Emergency shelter should meet minimum standards to ensure that it is safe, adequate, and dignified. These standards should address:

• Living space: Minimum living space per person (e.g., 3.5 square meters per person).
• Ventilation: Adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of heat and humidity.
• Insulation: Insulation to protect against extreme temperatures.
• Lighting: Adequate lighting for safety and security.
• Security: Measures to prevent theft, violence, and exploitation.

Sphere standards provide a widely recognized set of minimum standards for humanitarian response, including emergency shelter.

4. Coordination and Collaboration

Effective emergency shelter response requires strong coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders, including:

• Government agencies
• Humanitarian organizations
• Local communities
• Displaced people

Coordination mechanisms should be established to avoid duplication of efforts, ensure equitable distribution of resources, and address any gaps in service delivery.

5. Sustainability

Emergency shelter solutions should be designed with sustainability in mind. This includes:

• Using locally available and sustainable materials.
• Promoting energy efficiency and water conservation.
• Involving communities in the planning and management of shelters.
• Providing training on shelter maintenance and repair.
• Considering the long-term impact of shelter solutions on the environment and local economy.

Implementation Strategies for Emergency Shelter

Once a shelter plan has been developed, it is important to implement it effectively. Key implementation strategies include:

1. Resource Mobilization

Mobilizing adequate resources is essential for implementing emergency shelter programs. This includes:

• Securing funding from donors and governments.
• Procuring essential materials, such as tents, tarpaulins, and tools.
• Recruiting and training staff and volunteers.
• Establishing logistical systems for transporting and distributing resources.

2. Community Participation

Involving communities in the implementation of emergency shelter programs is crucial for ensuring their success. This includes:

• Consulting with communities on shelter design and construction.
• Providing training and employment opportunities for local residents.
• Establishing community committees to manage and maintain shelters.
• Addressing community concerns and grievances.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation

Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential for ensuring that emergency shelter programs are meeting their objectives. This includes:

• Collecting data on shelter occupancy, living conditions, and beneficiary satisfaction.
• Conducting regular site visits to assess shelter conditions and identify problems.
• Analyzing data to identify trends and patterns.
• Using evaluation findings to improve program design and implementation.

4. Protection and Security

Emergency shelter programs must prioritize the protection and security of displaced populations. This includes:

• Establishing security measures to prevent theft, violence, and exploitation.
• Providing separate accommodation for men and women.
• Ensuring access to psychosocial support services for trauma survivors.
• Addressing gender-based violence and other protection risks.

5. Exit Strategy

Emergency shelter programs should have a clear exit strategy to ensure that displaced populations can return to their homes or find alternative long-term housing solutions. This includes:

• Developing plans for the decommissioning of temporary shelters.
• Providing assistance for the reconstruction of damaged homes.
• Supporting the integration of displaced people into host communities.
• Addressing land tenure issues to ensure security of tenure.

Challenges in Providing Emergency Shelter

Providing emergency shelter can be challenging, especially in large-scale emergencies. Some common challenges include:

• Limited resources: Funding, materials, and personnel may be scarce, especially in resource-constrained settings.
• Access constraints: Conflict, insecurity, and logistical challenges can hinder access to affected populations.
• Coordination challenges: Poor coordination among humanitarian actors can lead to duplication of efforts and gaps in service delivery.
• Environmental concerns: Large-scale shelter programs can have a significant environmental impact.
• Protection risks: Displaced populations are vulnerable to various protection risks, including gender-based violence and exploitation.

Overcoming the Challenges

To overcome these challenges, it is important to:

• Strengthen resource mobilization efforts.
• Improve coordination among humanitarian actors.
• Adopt sustainable shelter practices.
• Prioritize protection and security.
• Empower communities to participate in shelter programs.
• Advocate for policy changes to address the root causes of displacement.

Case Studies

Examining past emergency shelter responses can provide valuable lessons for future interventions.

1. The 2015 Nepal Earthquake

The 2015 Nepal earthquake caused widespread destruction and displacement. Emergency shelter was provided through a combination of tents, tarpaulins, and transitional shelters. Challenges included the difficult terrain, limited access, and the onset of the monsoon season. Lessons learned included the importance of using locally available materials, providing training on shelter construction, and involving communities in the response.

2. The Syrian Refugee Crisis

The Syrian refugee crisis has resulted in the displacement of millions of people. Emergency shelter has been provided in refugee camps and host communities. Challenges include overcrowding, limited resources, and the protracted nature of the crisis. Lessons learned include the importance of providing durable shelter solutions, addressing protection risks, and supporting the integration of refugees into host communities.

3. The 2010 Haiti Earthquake

The 2010 Haiti earthquake devastated the country's infrastructure, leaving a vast number of people displaced and in need of immediate shelter. Initial responses involved utilizing collective shelters like schools and churches. Subsequently, organizations provided tents and tarpaulins. The challenges faced included logistical hurdles, the scale of destruction, and the need for long-term housing solutions. Lessons learned emphasized the necessity of preparedness, rapid response capabilities, and sustainable shelter construction practices.

Technology and Innovation in Emergency Shelter

Technological advancements are playing an increasingly important role in improving emergency shelter solutions.

• 3D-printed shelters: This technology allows for the rapid construction of durable and customizable shelters.
• Smart shelters: These shelters are equipped with sensors and communication devices to monitor environmental conditions and provide early warning of hazards.
• Mobile apps: These apps can be used to collect data on shelter needs, track the distribution of resources, and facilitate communication between aid providers and displaced people.

Conclusion

Providing effective emergency shelter is a complex and challenging task, but it is essential for protecting the lives and dignity of displaced populations. By understanding the different shelter options, planning considerations, and implementation strategies outlined in this guide, organizations and individuals can improve their ability to respond to emergencies and provide safe, adequate, and dignified shelter for those who need it most.

Further Resources

• The Sphere Handbook: https://www.spherehandbook.org/
• UNHCR Shelter and Settlement Guidelines: https://www.unhcr.org/shelter.html
• IFRC Shelter Guidelines: [Replace with actual IFRC Shelter Guidelines link if available]