SANTO DOMINGO- Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic, as a non-profit institution that promotes decent housing in the country, advocates for resilience in communities in the face of the hurricane season.
The international organization, with a presence in more than 70 countries worldwide, highlights the importance of transforming homes and informal settlements in communities in anticipation of potential impacts during this hurricane season.
“Most informal settlements often have inadequate infrastructure and services, making them highly vulnerable to climate impacts,” says Cesarina Fabián, national director of Habitat for Humanity in the Dominican Republic.
In that regard, Fabián reports that the institution is training communities in strengthening homes against hurricanes and empowering them, through the PASSA methodology (Participatory Approach to Awareness on Safe Housing) which seeks to educate community members in risk prevention and mitigation, with a joint decision-making process.
“Reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening community resilience through construction is vital to fulfilling our mission and our role in civil society in the communities where we work. Housing provides health by protecting people from disease, supports families and community life, and represents dignity, privacy, and security in the face of any event,” the executive stated.
A press release highlights that the actions are part of Habitat for Humanity International's "Guidelines for Disaster Response," based on international standards with parameters established by the Sphere Standard, among others, which define assistance responses with a vision of long-term recovery and sustainable development, focusing, above all, on the mitigation and preparedness phases at the community level, and including complaint and suggestion mechanisms as part of institutional policies.
The organization has responded to climate events through home repairs and by strengthening families during Hurricanes Fiona, Irma, and Maria, among others.
