Deadline: 05-Apr-2026
UN-Habitat is implementing a six-month initiative with a maximum budget of $90,000 to improve disaster preparedness and resilience in informal settlements in Homs and Aleppo. The project strengthens community capacity, develops neighborhood-level disaster management plans, and provides participatory training in risk reduction, emergency response, and first aid, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability.
Programme Overview
The initiative targets informal urban settlements in Homs (As-Sabil, Deir Ba’albeh North, Deir Ba’albeh South) and Aleppo (As-Sukkari), aiming to:
- Enhance community preparedness for disasters and shocks
- Facilitate participatory Hazard Vulnerability Risk Analysis (HVRA)
- Develop neighborhood-level Disaster Reduction Management Plans (DRR)
- Raise awareness and engage entire communities in resilience-building
The program combines community-driven planning with practical interventions, ensuring that residents are central to risk identification and solution design.
Funding and Duration
- Budget: Up to $90,000
- Duration: Six months
- Focus: Capacity-building, DRR training, community engagement, and neighborhood planning
Who is Eligible / Target Participants
- Residents of informal settlements in Homs and Aleppo
- Emphasis on including:
- Community members selected as master trainers to sustain DRR activities
Project Focus Areas
The project emphasizes Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through:
- Training Programs:
- Rescue operations and emergency preparedness
- First aid and evacuation procedures
- School safety measures
- Preliminary psychosocial support
- Community Engagement:
- Participatory hazard and risk assessments
- Co-creation of neighborhood-level disaster management plans
- Empowering local master trainers to lead ongoing DRR efforts
Implementation Approach
- Participatory Planning: Residents actively identify hazards, risks, and priorities.
- Context-Specific Solutions: Interventions are tailored to neighborhood-level realities.
- Sustainability: Trained community members maintain networks and continue DRR activities beyond the project duration.
- Inclusive Participation: Special focus on marginalized groups ensures equitable involvement.
How the Project Works
- Conduct community mapping and HVRA to identify risks and vulnerabilities.
- Deliver structured DRR training to community members.
- Develop Disaster Reduction Management Plans for each neighborhood.
- Select and train master trainers to implement and oversee DRR activities locally.
- Evaluate progress, raise awareness, and ensure community adoption of best practices.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced disaster preparedness and resilience in targeted informal settlements
- Skilled community members capable of responding to emergencies
- Neighborhood-level DRR plans aligned with local risks
- Strengthened community networks and sustainability of interventions
- Improved inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in resilience-building efforts
FAQs
1. Which neighborhoods are targeted?
As-Sabil, Deir Ba’albeh North, Deir Ba’albeh South in Homs, and As-Sukkari in Aleppo.
2. What is the duration and budget of the project?
Six months with a maximum budget of $90,000.
3. Who participates in the training?
Residents of targeted settlements, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
4. What are the main DRR training topics?
Emergency preparedness, rescue operations, first aid, evacuation, school safety, and psychosocial support.
5. What is the role of master trainers?
To lead DRR activities, strengthen local networks, and ensure sustainability of the project’s outcomes.
6. How are the disaster management plans developed?
Through participatory hazard and risk assessments conducted with community members.
7. What is the main goal of the initiative?
To build local capacity for disaster preparedness, promote inclusion, and foster resilient recovery in informal settlements.
Conclusion
The UN-Habitat Disaster Preparedness Project equips informal settlements in Homs and Aleppo with the skills, knowledge, and plans necessary to respond to disasters effectively. By combining community-driven planning, participatory risk assessment, and practical DRR training, the initiative strengthens local resilience, empowers marginalized groups, and fosters sustainable recovery for vulnerable urban communities.
For more information, visit UN-Habitat.
