Disaster Response: Rebuilding Lives and Communities

Devastating natural disasters happen around the world every year. War, conflict and civil unrest also create millions of refugees and internally displaced people. Both families left homeless by disasters and refugees returning to their homelands face uncertain futures, often confronting dire housing needs as they struggle to rebuild their lives. Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) recognizes the need to provide shelter and housing solutions to help these families recover. HFHI’s Disaster Response program works with the global Habitat community in the areas of disaster mitigation, preparedness, shelter and long-term recovery initiatives to address the housing needs that arise from natural disasters and humanitarian emergency conflicts.

The mission of HFH disaster response
The mission of Disaster Response is to develop innovative housing and shelter assistance models that generate sustainable interventions for people vulnerable to or affected by disasters and/or conflicts. Disaster Response also builds the capacity of the global HFH community in the areas of disaster mitigation, preparedness and recovery through education, training and partnerships.

When disaster strikes, Habitat strikes back

HFH Disaster Response offers consultation in the areas of technical information; program design and implementation; and disaster response policies, protocols and procedures. It also provides support and informational resources for disaster mitigation and preparedness for affiliates and national programs located in disaster-prone areas. To date, more than 50,000 families have been served under various Habitat disaster response initiatives worldwide. By giving the communities the means to rebuild, Habitat has been able to:

• Support, empower and work with families in building recovery shelter and housing solutions.

• Create new, integrated communities.

• Develop new Habitat affiliates.

• Educate the public on various aspects of shelter and house construction.

• Foster partnerships and alliances with businesses, intergovernmental and multilateral organizations, NGOs, churches, and other civil organizations.

• Introduce disaster preparedness and mitigation concepts that allow families to protect themselves against future disasters.

You can help us respond to disasters worldwide
We need your help. Habitat for Humanity thrives on the work of its gracious volunteers and donors, and invites people from all faiths, cultures and walks of life to work together to build shelter and housing with families in need.

We invite you to become a participant in the effort to rebuild lives and communities. You can make a difference in the lives of those affected by disasters and conflicts.
Get involved now!