Rehabilitation of 250 War-Damaged Houses in Syria

SEVGI YARDIMLASMA DERNEGI successfully implemented the emergency shelter project titled “Rehabilitation of 250 War-Damaged Houses in Syria,” which aimed to respond to the urgent shelter needs of displaced families in the Harim District of Northwest Syria. The project targeted 250 of the most vulnerable internally displaced families, approximately 1,440 individuals who had been living in unsafe and undignified conditions in makeshift camps in the Dana sub-district. Through this intervention, Elaf RD provided safe, habitable, and SPHERE-compliant shelters by rehabilitating and upgrading 60 unfinished buildings located in urban and semi-urban areas of Harim.

The project commenced with a rapid assessment phase, during which our engineering team conducted site visits to evaluate the structural integrity and rehabilitation potential of the proposed unfinished buildings. The team prepared detailed Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and technical layouts for each building. Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) due diligence was carried out concurrently to ensure that all selected buildings could be legally and ethically repurposed for temporary shelter use. Given the emergency context, this initial phase was completed under a tight timeline to enable a timely response.

Following the planning stage, technical and financial tender documents were prepared in alignment with our procurement policies. Local contractors were selected through a competitive tendering process that prioritized local capacity and emergency implementation experience. The selected contractors, under close supervision from our engineering team, proceeded with the rehabilitation works. These works included the installation of windows and doors, electrical and plumbing systems, the construction and reinforcement of walls and ceilings, and the provision of water and sanitation infrastructure. Each apartment was apportioned according to SPHERE minimum shelter standards, ensuring safety, privacy, and dignity for its occupants.

Simultaneously, we worked closely with camp management teams and local councils in Dana sub-district to identify and select 250 of the most vulnerable families for relocation. These families were prioritized based on vulnerability criteria, including households headed by women or children, persons with disabilities, elderly individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions. Once the shelter units were completed, we provided logistical support to relocate the families from the makeshift camps to their new homes. Vehicles and trucks were mobilized to safely transport both the families and their belongings.

To support the successful integration of the relocated families into their new environments, Elaf RD conducted a series of guidance and awareness sessions. These sessions were designed to introduce beneficiaries to essential services available in their surrounding areas. Participants received information on where and how to access healthcare, protection services, education, food assistance, and livelihood support. The sessions also included orientation on tenants’ rights, community engagement, and local service referral pathways.

Monitoring and evaluation activities were carried out throughout the project cycle to ensure accountability and quality assurance. Field engineers conducted frequent site visits to monitor the progress and technical quality of rehabilitation work. The MEAL team conducted spot checks and random HLP documentation verification to ensure transparency and adherence to protection principles. A post-intervention satisfaction survey was conducted among the relocated families, revealing a high level of satisfaction with both the quality of shelter and the relocation process.

While the project was successfully implemented, it faced several challenges. The urgency of the situation demanded rapid planning and mobilization, placing pressure on staff and contractors. Some delays were encountered due to poor weather conditions and supply chain disruptions, but these were mitigated through schedule adjustments and contingency planning. In a few cases, gaps in HLP documentation required extra coordination with local authorities and community leaders to resolve. Additionally, initial concerns were raised within host communities regarding the selection process, which were addressed through transparent communication and community engagement.

From this project, we gained important insights. The early implementation of HLP due diligence was crucial in avoiding delays and disputes. Engaging local contractors proved effective in enhancing community acceptance and ensuring faster mobilization. The guidance sessions played a critical role in reducing tension and increasing beneficiary confidence by improving access to services and strengthening community linkages. These lessons will be valuable for scaling and replicating similar shelter interventions in other conflict-affected areas of Syria.

In conclusion, the project succeeded in its core objective of restoring dignity, safety, and shelter to 250 highly vulnerable IDP families. By transforming uninhabitable structures into secure living spaces and supporting beneficiary reintegration, the project contributed meaningfully to protection outcomes and community resilience in Harim District. we recommends continued follow-up with these families to support their long-term recovery through livelihoods support, education, and legal aid for housing and property documentation. The organization expresses its gratitude to all partners, local stakeholders, and communities who supported the success of this life-saving initiative.

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