Shelter and Settlements
MHPSS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CROSS-SECTORAL THEMES
Living conditions have a significant impact on people’s ability to cope with and recover from crisis.
Read the summary below or access the full guidance.
Living conditions have a significant impact on people’s ability to cope with and recover from crisis.i Children, families and communities in unhealthy and inadequate living environments may experience increased insecurity, fear, anxiety, interpersonal tensions and violence. This is further exacerbated in areas of high density where many are competing for space, amenities, resources and services.
Shelter and Settlement programming can help individuals, families and communities return to nearly pre-crisis levels of mental health. Beneficiaries of beautification interventions have reported gaining moral support, hope for the future, and motivation to undertake further works by themselves.xiv One study showed that a change in housing change resulted in an 84% increase in family wellness, including an increased sense of stability and overall well-being.
[i] UNICEF (2020) Guidance on CAAFAG in COVID-19
[1] Tonheim, 2017
[1] Hart, 2006; Medeiros, 2012; Shepler, 2014
Key Resources:
- CARE, Oxford Brookes University, Centre for Development and Emergency Practice, Mindful Sheltering: Recognising and Enhancing the Impact of Humanitarian Shelter and Settlements on Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-Being, 2021
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, British Red Cross, PASSA: Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness, 2011
- Global Shelter Cluster