Shelter Upgrades for Sub-Standard Housing in Gaza - Development and Peace 2017

January 2017 - This project is part of the 2017 Humanitarian Response Plan for the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Projects under this appeal help to reduce the vulnerability of Palestinians especially women and children affected by the ongoing crisis. Of the 4.8 million people who live in the West Bank and Gaza the United Nations estimates that approximately two million will need some form of humanitarian assistance in 2017. Palestinians endure high rates of poverty unemployment and food insecurity. Internal displacement and recurrent conflict have eroded coping mechanisms and necessitate a humanitarian response focused on protection. With Global Affairs Canada’s support Development and Peace aims to support approximately 320 households at least 50 of which are headed by women to make upgrades to their sub-standard shelters. The project is built on the premise that if acutely vulnerable families live in adequate safe shelters that meet the needs of women girls the elderly and people with disabilities their vulnerability is reduced. Households receive assistance to plan the needed upgrades and implement improvements directly or through contractors.

The expected results for this project include: (1) reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people especially women and children; (2) acutely vulnerable households in Gaza live in adequate and safe shelters; and (3) shelter upgrades meet the distinct needs of women and girls. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are food insecure.