CVA and Shelter / Reconstruction

First-ever Cash for Shelter programme in 1999

SDC became a pioneer in cash assistance during the Balkan War in 1999, responding to an emergency housing situation. Traditional construction approaches, such as donor-driven methods or relying on contractors for house reconstruction or repair, have certain limitations. For example, they often provide less flexibility to customise houses according to a household's specific needs, they tend to be less owner-driven, with limited involvement and input from the affected individuals and may be slower in their implementation. The already precarious conditions of the war-affected population became even more dramatic with the threat of a harsh winter. Traditional construction approaches would have been too slow, failing to promptly address the basic shelter needs. Consequently, SDC's first-ever cash pilot project was initiated, providing the affected population with funds to independently enhance their shelter situation.

• In-depth programme details: Cash for Shelter in Kosovo 1999

  The Kosovo programme, responding to the aftermath of the Balkan War in 1999, aimed to urgently address housing needs resulting from widespread conflict-induced destruction. To overcome the limitations of traditional construction approaches, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid (SHA) initiated the innovative Cash for Shelter project. This pioneering programme provided funds directly to affected individuals, empowering them to independently improve their housing situations. 
  
  Objectives included rebuilding damaged houses, neglected infrastructure, and supporting the local economy through structural assistance in construction, water supply, and agriculture. The programme focused on creating living spaces for the socially disadvantaged, reconstructing social institutions, and renovating roads. Implementation involved recruiting local staff, formulating necessary documents, selecting projects, and monitoring construction progress.
  
  Structured in three stages for efficient management, the programme prioritised regions identified by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and selected villages based on geographical alignment, population size, and commitment to the schedule.
  
  A notable aspect was empowering the local community in the rebuilding process, encouraging homeowners to contribute to construction efforts. Cash payments, contingent on meeting construction milestones, served as catalyst.
  
  With 350 houses renovated by February 2000, averaging DEM 8,530 per building, the programme evolved into a comprehensive Cash for Housing initiative in the subsequent year. The success debunked initial concerns, e.g., corruption, showcasing that providing cash for self-help fostered community solidarity and empowerment.
  
  In conclusion, the Cash for Shelter programme in Kosovo not only addressed urgent post-conflict housing needs but also empowered the local population, demonstrating the potential of cash assistance as a valuable tool in humanitarian responses. The programme serves as a noteworthy example of adapting to local conditions, fostering community engagement, and promoting sustainable post-conflict reconstruction in challenging environments.

  

SDC Cash for Shelter projects since 1999 (selected)

• 1999-2001
  Cash for Shelter and Reconstruction projects in Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia and Serbia as a result of precarious housing situations resulting from the Balkan War
• 2000-2002
  Cash for Shelter programme in Ingushetia Republic, Russian Federation supporting host families hosting internally displaced people (IDP) as a result of the hostilities that erupted in autumn 1999 in Chechnya
• 2002-2003
  Cash for Reinstallation Programme as a support programme for the victims of the summer 2002 floods in the Adygeya Republic, Russian Federation
• 2005
  Cash for Host Families project in Aceh, Indonesia after the devastating Tsunami hit the country in 2004
• 2005-2007
  Cash for Repair and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka after the devastating Tsunami hit the country in 2004
• 2006-2007
  Cash for Repair in South Lebanon: Addressing damage or destruction caused by the July War (July 12 to August 14, 2006)
• 2006-2008
  Cash for Reconstruction of rural private housing in Pakistan following the earthquake of October 8th, 2005, in Northern Pakistan
• 2009-2015
  Cash for Permanent Housing in northern Sri Lanka following the end of the conflict (see SDC Reconstruction Manual)
• 2012-2014
  Cash for Hosting in Lebanon during Syria crisis
• 2019
  Multipurpose cash for basic needs, including improvement for temporary shelters, for rent or other accommodation in Albania after earthquake
• 2024
  Multipurpose cash for basic needs and shelter rehabilitation in Vietnam after typhoon Yagi.

Related content

• SDC's website/reconstruction and rehabilitation
• SHA expert group Construction website: Collection of Reconstruction and CVA publications

External Resources on Shelter

• IFRC Cash Hub - Cash in Sectors/Shelter
• CALP Network - Sector-specific Cash and Voucher Assistance/Shelter
• Global Shelter Cluster Cash Working Group