Deadline: 10-Feb-2026
UN-Habitat is inviting local NGOs and civil society organizations to participate in the “My Home, My Neighborhood” project in Aleppo and Homs, Syria. The initiative focuses on strengthening Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights, digitizing cadastral records, and improving living conditions in informal settlements through community-led action, supported by grants totaling US$ 650,000.
Project Overview
UN-Habitat has launched a Call for Expression of Interest (CFP) to identify qualified local non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations to implement the “My Home, My Neighborhood” project in Syria.
The project addresses critical challenges faced by residents and returnees in informal settlements, particularly issues related to insecure housing, undocumented land tenure, and weak social cohesion in post-conflict urban environments.
Its overarching goal is to create safer, more stable, and more resilient neighborhoods by combining technical HLP interventions with community-driven initiatives.
Key Objectives of the Project
The project is structured around several interlinked objectives:
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Document and safeguard Housing, Land, and Property claims in informal settlements
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Digitally scan and archive cadastral and property records to prevent loss or disputes
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Strengthen tenure security for residents and returnees
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Promote social cohesion through inclusive, community-led activities
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Enhance community ownership of urban recovery and development processes
Understanding Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) Rights
Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights refer to the legal, social, and administrative recognition of a person’s right to occupy, use, or own housing and land.
In displacement-affected and post-conflict settings, weak HLP documentation often leads to disputes, evictions, and barriers to return. By documenting claims and preserving records, HLP interventions help restore trust, enable recovery, and support long-term urban stability.
Geographic Scope and Implementation Lots
The initiative focuses on informal settlements in two major Syrian cities and is divided into two distinct implementation lots.
Lot 1: Aleppo
Target neighborhoods include Fardos, Al-Sukkari, and Karm Al-Dodo.
Approximately 51,500 properties in Aleppo are estimated to require HLP-related intervention.
The total funding allocated to Lot 1 is US$ 350,000.
Lot 2: Homs
Target neighborhoods include Al-Bayada, Deir Ba’albah North and South, and Al-Sabil.
Approximately 77,500 properties in Homs are estimated to require intervention.
The total funding allocated to Lot 2 is US$ 300,000.
While these locations are the primary focus, UN-Habitat may adjust geographic coverage based on implementation progress and available funding to maximize overall impact.
What Activities Will Selected Organizations Implement?
Selected NGOs and CSOs will carry out a combination of technical, digital, and community-based activities, including:
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Identification and documentation of individual and collective HLP claims
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Scanning, indexing, and digital archiving of cadastral and property records
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Community outreach and awareness activities related to tenure security
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Implementation of initiatives that foster social cohesion and community trust
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Engagement with residents and returnees to strengthen local ownership
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible implementing partners must meet the following criteria:
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Be a legally registered NGO or CSO in both the country of origin and Syria
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Demonstrate adequate financial capacity through audited financial statements
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Show commitment to governance, transparency, and integrity standards
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Have proven ability to manage donor-funded projects
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Maintain a separate bank account dedicated exclusively to project expenses
Why This Project Matters
This project plays a vital role in Syria’s urban recovery and stabilization efforts.
By securing HLP rights and strengthening community cohesion, the initiative helps reduce land and property disputes, supports safe and dignified returns, and lays the groundwork for sustainable urban planning and service delivery in informal settlements.
How the Call for Expression of Interest Works
Interested organizations should follow these steps:
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Review the CFP requirements and confirm organizational eligibility
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Decide whether to apply for Lot 1 in Aleppo, Lot 2 in Homs, or both if permitted
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Prepare required documentation, including legal registration and audited financial statements
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Demonstrate technical experience in HLP documentation, digital archiving, or community-based projects
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Submit the Expression of Interest in accordance with UN-Habitat’s CFP guidelines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Organizations applying to this CFP should avoid the following common issues:
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Submitting incomplete legal or financial documentation
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Failing to clearly demonstrate experience in HLP or informal settlement contexts
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Underestimating the importance of community engagement and social cohesion
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Not maintaining a dedicated bank account for project funds
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the My Home, My Neighborhood project?
The main goal is to strengthen Housing, Land, and Property rights while improving living conditions and social cohesion in informal settlements in Aleppo and Homs.
Who can apply for this Call for Expression of Interest?
Legally registered local NGOs and CSOs with sufficient financial capacity and governance standards can apply.
What types of activities will be funded?
Activities include HLP claim documentation, digital archiving of cadastral records, and community-led initiatives that promote social cohesion.
How much funding is available under this project?
The total available funding is US$ 650,000, with US$ 350,000 allocated to Aleppo and US$ 300,000 allocated to Homs.
Can the project locations change during implementation?
Yes, UN-Habitat may adjust target locations based on progress and available funding to maximize impact.
Is prior experience in HLP projects required?
While not explicitly stated, demonstrated experience in HLP, informal settlements, or community-based urban projects is strongly expected.
Conclusion
The “My Home, My Neighborhood” project represents a strategic opportunity for local NGOs and CSOs to contribute to secure housing, land, and property rights in Syria’s informal settlements.
Through targeted HLP documentation, digital record preservation, and community-led action, the initiative aims to foster stability, resilience, and long-term recovery in Aleppo and Homs.
For more information, visit UN-Habitat.
