S&S Planning: Developing a Response Strategy


To direct an effective, appropriate and coordinated shelter and settlement program, it is vital that a response strategy is developed at the outset.  A strong response strategy will explain the logical connection between the context analysis and the assistance options; thus, identifying what the team is best placed to provide.  A strategy can further be expanded into an operational plan, detailing the full cycle of the project.  The Shelter Strategy will guide the decision-making process on which programming, management and fundraising decisions are later based.

The analysis from the information gathered at the assessments will almost certainly highlight likely Assistance Options.  These are solutions that will increase the dignity and safety of affected populations.  In this context, we need to understand the “increase” as an incremental path from the most basic, emergency housing unit to a complete, permanent house; a Shelter and Settlement Strategy is a process.

As we move ahead with the execution of such solutions, we also need to identify ways to get them done in an appropriate manner vis-a-vis the population in stress, but also ensuring compliance to standards and other requirements.

These options will have to be contextualized and validated with relevant stakeholders, in particular the affected population.

Tools & Examples