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RedR TSS gravatar image
RedR TSS

I was in Vushtrri, Kosova in fall 99/ winter 00 working for ADRA on a USAID-funded project to provide winterized shelter. There were two models: for families whose houses were not too far gone (structurally unsound), we reroofed, installed windows and doors, and put families in. (The major problem was arson that had destroyed roofs, windows and doors. This worked best for single-story homes. In multi-story homes, the upper floor slabs were often rendered unsound by the fire.) The agreement was that anyone who received assistance had to host "guest" families for 6 months. The "urban" model (mainly Pristina) was to house families in unfinished housing units. We would "finish" them by installing windows and doors and providing wood-burning stoves, and roofing in some cases. The owners would benefit by the improvements, and guarantee housing for six months. I'm not sure that either of these would be a good model, but it might be worth looking at the current inventory of unfinished or vacant/abandoned housing stock in the areas that might receive displaced families. One drawback of the implementation was that different agencies in Vushtrri had different "packages" on offer. We provided roof framing and plastic sheeting, and one door and window per room, as well as a stipend for installation. World Vision, under the same program, provided material but no money, and the Arab KFOR contingent provided a full tile roof. In principle the community was divided into geographic regions for implementation, but all three groups breeched their boundaries. Needless to say, there was a good deal of "shopping" by some unscrupulous families looking to get as much as possible. I would strongly suggest that all implementing partners provide a consistent "package" and stick to their zones to keep things smoother.

Regards,

Dave