25. Shelter

There is a strong argument for always integrating WASH into a shelter programme. This does not necessarily mean that WASH has to be seen as another, stand-alone, sector; but it does mean that shelter expertise has to securely integrated into the shelter team. A house is not complete without a toilet. Rainwater collection may be a natural and logical extension of a housing project that that has new CGI sheeting. These should not be seen as mere ‘add-ons’ to a shelter project and they require the full WASH package of hygiene promotion and community orientation especially in communities where new technologies might be introduced. Shelter and WASH and natural partners.

Integration with livelihood programmes should also be considered. This may be especially relevant in a self-recovery programme where, for example, a cash component may not be enough to complete a house and a livelihood component can help to complement the shortfall. With all sector integration, care should be taken to harmonise the selection process to avoid ‘double-dipping’ – the inclusion of a family in both shelter and livelihood programme, when another family may be excluded from both.

Always ask for help. The shelter team based at CARE UK is there to support County Offices. It can call on its roster of experts for specialist advice if there is a need.

Specialist assistance may be required in an advisory short-term role, or for longer duration especially in a response to a major disaster. Specialist assistance and the knowledge of previous shelter programmes is invaluable when the strategy is being developed, and to help predict and manage risks. Further specialist staff is usually required for implementation. Properly and appropriately qualified engineers are always required for the construction and management of all public buildings. National knowledge is essential for compliance with local codes and regulations.

The focal point for the shelter sector in CARE is the Shelter Team Leader. Country Offices should contact the UK-based shelter team for advice and revision before submitting funding proposals, and to access support and lessons learned from CARE’s previous shelter programmes. The shelter team can offer technical advice on assessing shelter needs and resources, integrating the shelter strategy with other sectors, identifying and budgeting for appropriate staff, and ensuring that good opportunities in shelter response are not missed. Anticipated support, deployments and evaluations should be included in all budgets.