Guidance note on recovery: shelter

The purpose of this document is to create a cohesive documented body of knowledge for disaster recovery planners and policy makers, in the recognition that preventive measures are vital to reducing the more costly efforts of responding to disasters. It is an initial step in documenting, collecting and sharing disaster recovery experiences and lessons. It is intended to present a collection of the successes and failures of past experiences in disaster recovery that will serve to inform the planning and implementation of future recovery initiatives. The aim is not to recommend actions, but to place before the reader a menu of options.

The publication draws from documented experiences of past and present recovery efforts, collected through a desk review and consultations with relevant experts. These experiences and lessons learned are classified into nine major issues: (i) shelter recovery transitions; (ii) site selection; (iii) project implementation method; (iv) building design; (v) legal implications; (vi) technical assistance / expertise; (vii) construction materials; (viii) construction labor; and (ix) maintaining lives, livelihoods, and community character.

The materials are presented in the form of cases. The document provides analysis of many of the cases, highlighting key lessons and noting points of caution and clarification. It is primarily intended for use by policymakers, planners, and implementers of local, regional and national government bodies interested or engaged in facilitating a more responsive, sustainable, and risk-reducing recovery process.