The Shelter Specialist

In displacement situations or the aftermath of a disaster, safe and adequate shelter is essential for the immediate survival of affected people. It is also critical to protect their privacy and dignity and to support their resilience to future shocks and hazards.

Shelter assistance takes various forms, from individual housing to the use of public buildings, such as schools, to large emergency tented camps. Whatever the set-up, shelter specialists make sure that displaced communities (and often those who host them) receive more than just shelter and life-saving assistance, such as water, food and hygiene items.

They also try to ensure that displaced people do not have to walk too far to get food, water or medical care, and that water points and latrines are well-lit and close to homes, especially so that girls and women are not exposed to danger.