High Rigidity Shelters

In informal settlements, refugees face challenging living conditions in their temporary shelters. Issues such as the lack of integrity of the tent structure, lack of privacy, and severe damage to walls or ceilings pose threats to the residents.​

To address these challenges, HAND have developed a new model of tents (“The Prefabricated Model”) built from the regular shelter kits distributed to households. Through our partnership with UNHCR, we have integrated this model to the annual weatherproofing in the national shelter sector framework, to address the shelter needs of refugees residing in Informal settlements (ISs) through the provision of durable, improved and weather-resistant shelters to help them withstand shocks and emergencies.​

A carpentry workshop was established to build durable, sustainable frames from standard MRK kits, two training programs (an inclusive program and a ToT program) were in place  to equip individuals with the necessary skills to construct and maintain their shelters effectively, and installation of prefabricated shelter kits for households eligible for MRKs according to the annual unified assessment. ​

As part of our dedication to save lives, HAND is holding the task of emergency responder in the most affected areas of Lebanon, through providing shelter services in cases of emergencies where shelters are affected, such as fires and storms. Upon receiving referrals from refugees or partners, we work in coordination with stakeholders to assess the situation and allocate the necessary resources. Our specialized team of engineers and technicians then develops an appropriate intervention plan tailored to the specific case.​

In case of fire incidence, we reinstall the shelters and all the necessary WASH facilities. We also provide essential support, including CRIs (Core Relief Items) and food, to the affected families until the shelter is properly set up.​

During environmental disasters, we repair damages of the shelters or distribute necessary kits 
to families, such as plastic sheets and wood, to ensure they have a safe place to stay.

Furthermore, within the local community, our emergency response team equips heavy machinery to clear snow-blocked roads in cities, facilitating the movement of residents to service centers. We also remove heavy snowfall within informal settlements to prevent water damage caused by melting snow and subsequent flooding of the shelters.​

To find sustainable emergency solutions, we collaborate with state institutions and community initiatives involved in rapid emergency response, including civil defense. HAND provides necessary support for them including machines maintenance, training, and the provision of supplies and tools. ​

We also train refugees on how to document and send referrals in case of emergencies and coordinate closely with our ToT trainers to follow-up on the emergent cases.

HAND is promoting good hygiene practices and raising health awareness among individuals and 
communities. We achieve this through the distribution of personal and household hygiene kits, as 
well as educational/Awareness sessions focused on waterborne, and water washed diseases.

One of our primary objectives is to improve hygiene behaviour, particularly among children. 
We recognize that addressing diseases is essential for ensuring a dignified life for all individuals, 
regardless of whether they are in emergency or post-emergency situations.

HAND aim to empower children with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain proper hygiene 
practices. Through these initiatives, we hope to instill long-lasting habits that will contribute to 
healthier futures for children and have a positive impact on the communities they belong to.