Shelter needs assessment

25 January 2024

Key points
Conduct an initial rapid assessment of shelter and settlement needs within the first three
days from the onset of an emergency, whenever possible within a coordinated multi-sectoral
assessment
If possible, the initial rapid shelter and settlement assessment should be coordinated and
supervised by an experienced sectoral expert and jointly undertaken with shelter and
settlement actors including local authorities

1. Overview
In the event of forced displacement, whether in an urban or dispersed setting, and in the event
of the establishment of formal settlements, the first step is to understand the needs of the
affected population. An initial shelter and settlement assessment provides crucial information to
establish a shelter response in a given context, and the capacity, layout and services needed
across settlements. Moreover it offers essential elements to plan and design shelters beyond the
emergency phase.

2. Relevance for emergency operations

An initial rapid shelter and settlement assessment should be carried out within the first three
days of an emergency, to identify needs and resources. To plan and implement an effective
response, it is vital to coordinate assessments across a range of sectors (Protection including
HLP, WASH, Health, among others). The Needs Assessments for Refugee Emergencies (NARE)
checklist, a highly customizable initial multi-sectoral needs assessment is often used and
contains a specific section with relevant questions to inform settlement development and shelter
response.
 The overall Emergency Needs Assessment in relation to shelter and settlement should provide
sufficient information to identify the immediate life-saving priorities, anticipate potential
problems, including insufficient space and overwhelmed accommodation opportunities, and
identify forcibly displaced people with adequate shelter provided from their own resources, and
the strategies they are using to cope. The emergency needs assessment should also identify and
mitigate potential shelter and settlement-related tensions between new arrivals and the host
community and identify the type and level of support required for both communities.

3. Main guidance for shelter needs assessment

The information collected during the initial rapid needs assessment will be key to develop a
comprehensive shelter and settlement strategy which will structure and phase the sectoral
response to address the needs of forcibly displaced people, and which will evolve over time to
adapt to changing needs. Assessors should gather sufficient information in order to effectively
guide the following actions:

Enable forcibly displaced people to access and live in dignity in safe and secure
settlements that improve their social, economic and environmental quality of life as a
community
Ensure the involvement of forcibly displaced people throughout the planning, design and
implementation phases of shelter and settlement responses
Identify most suitable settlement option or combination of options according to the context
(host family support, transit/collective centres, formal/informal settlements, rental
accommodation, sharing with family or relatives, etc.)
Provide appropriate emergency shelter as needed, while ensuring minimum space of
covered shelter area is provided (minimum 3.5m2 per person)
Adapt shelter to protect forcibly displaced people from extreme weather conditions
Ensure access to basic services
Develop a comprehensive shelter and settlement response. Plan for and identify longer
term shelter solutions

Recommended methodology for shelter needs assessment

To understand the dynamics of a displacement crisis and the contextual implications for shelter
and settlement, it is essential to gather a broad set of relevant information which will inform the
sector specific assessment and response. This exercise requires secondary data analysis to
determine what information is available, and primary data collection. Information can come from
other sectors and/or organizations. It's preferable to initiate data collection as soon as possible,
even in the preparedness phase. Any missing information should be included in the primary data
collection.

A secondary data review should always be done in order to determine what information
already exists. The critical background information should include:

Traditional shelter types of both displaced population and host community, as well as
climate and cultural practices that may influence settlement planning and shelter needs
and related responses.
 Identification of persons with specific needs requiring shelter (re)construction assistance or
specific shelter options (disability and access)
Building practices of forcibly displaced in areas origin (e.g. building types, sizes,
construction materials, physical architecture, etc.).
Identify which national government departments are responsible for shelter and housing,
settlement planning and public infrastructures
National building codes, standards and regulations
Housing, land and property ownership practices and laws in hosting areas (e.g. renting,
leasing, ownership, compulsory acquisition)
Availability of land, empty buildings and other facilities that could host most vulnerable
forcibly displaced people
Historical data on climate related (drought, floods, cyclones, etc.) and other hazards (e.g.
earthquakes, presence of UXOs, structural safety of buildings, etc.) in areas where forcibly
displaced people may settle/have settled
Availability of construction materials (e.g. natural resources, nearby stockpiles, regional
suppliers, etc.). Include market surveys (availability and costs of construction materials,
rental options, etc.)
Existing infrastructure and services surrounding the area where forcibly displaced people
are settled
Existing shelter and settlement response capacity among other UN agencies, NGOs, CSOs,
line ministries, local municipalities, etc.

Primary data collection: The level of detail and questions asked during primary data collection
will largely depend on information gaps identified during the secondary data review, as well as
the location where forcibly displaced people are settled/will settle (e.g. scattered contexts). Data
collection can be carried out using the following methodologies:

Community Observation
Community Key Informants
Focus Group Discussions
Household Key Informant
Infrastructure/Facilities Inspection Visits

The following are examples of key information to be gathered through primary data collection
and analysis:

Analyze Demographics (age and gender breakdown, persons with specific needs, etc.)
Analyse Movement trends, arrival rates, and potential future trends to inform the shelter
and settlement response
Assess Resources and Physical Security: jointly with protection specialists, evaluate
protection needs as well as coping mechanisms (e.g. moving into cheaper shelter, living in
informal settlements, etc.).
Assess whether there are any potential conflicts with hosting communities in relation to
different levels of access to shelter
Determine the level and type of intervention based on assessment findings. Share
information with relevant sectors for a coordinated response (esp. WASH, HLP, etc.).
Identify the most suitable settlement options that enable the population to access and live
 in secure settlements with dignity
Determine if people can self support construction of shelter
Through intersectoral coordination, ensure access to basic services (WASH, electricity, etc.)
in settlements, buildings or other facilities hosting forcibly displaced

Additional key informant questions and focus group discussion questions can be found in the
Sphere Rapid Shelter Assessment and the Settlement Development, Shelter and CRIs in the
NARE Checklist

Key guidelines and assessment questions for selection of new sites and extension of existing
sites can be found in the Multi-sectoral site assessment form.

Resources and partnerships

Staff

A shelter and/or settlement planning expert

Local shelter and settlement partner organisation
Community outreach workers

Partners

A variety of partners can assist with shelter and settlement assessments and responses,
including international NGOs with expertise in the sector, local organisations and relevant
government authorities.

Material

GPS
Camera
Rapid assessment questionnaire

Checklist

Conduct Secondary Data Analysis for shelter and settlements providing critical
background and context information which should include assessment of existing
infrastructure and services, traditional shelter types, availability of materials, land and
facilities, etc.

Conduct Primary Data Collection, use methodologies such as community observation,

key informants, focus group discussions, household key informants, and
infrastructure/facilities visits.
 Analyze Demographics and Movement Trends, Assess Resources and Physical Security.

Determine the level and type of intervention based on assessment findings. Share
information with relevant sectors for a coordinated response.

Identify the most suitable settlement options, Enable the population to access secure
settlements. Provide emergency shelter and core relief items (CRIs) per minimum
standards. Ensure access to basic services.

Develop Shelter and Settlement Strategy. Conduct Follow-Up Assessments. Perform

Shelter Condition Assessments to transform emergency shelters into more durable
shelter Solutions.

Annexes
The Sphere Handbook, 2018

UNHCR Needs Assessment for Refugee Emergencies (NARE) Checklist

WFP, UNHCR - Joint Assessment Missions: a Practical Guide to Planning and Implementation,
2013

4. Main contacts
Technical Support Section, Division of Resilience and Solutions: [email protected]