Habitat for Humanity El Salvador assumes national coordination of Shelter Cluster
Habitat for Humanity El Salvador becomes the second Habitat organization worldwide to assume coordination of a national Shelter Cluster.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (January 28, 2012) – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has transferred coordination of the El Salvador Shelter Cluster to Habitat for Humanity El Salvador, which assumed the role on January 24, 2012.
The Shelter Cluster was created out of the efforts to respond to the emergency caused by Tropical Depression 12E. The United Nations Emergency Technical Team (UNETE) coordinates the Humanitarian Network (REDHUM), and actions are implemented through each sector (Cluster) that makes up the network: Agriculture, Shelter, Health, Food, Education, Water and Sanitation and Logistics.
The objective of the entire Humanitarian Network and its sectors is to stay on alert and maintain contingency plans for adequately responding emergencies.
The Humanitarian Network facilitates and coordinates humanitarian actions related to the preparation for and response to emergencies that can occur around the world, with the aim of alleviating human suffering, protecting the lives of those affected by a catastrophic event and guaranteeing that all human beings are respected regardless of their economic condition, gender nationality, etc.
En El Salvador, the Network began its work in 2009 after Hurricane Ida, and was reactivated at the onset of Tropical Depression 12E.
Habitat for Humanity El Salvador is the second national Habitat organization in the world to assume the role of Shelter Cluster Coordinator, the first being Nepal.
The main functions of the Shelter Cluster Coordinator include:
- Represent the sector before the Inter-Cluster group, the Resident Coordinator Office and the humanitarian community.
- Provide follow-up to the implementation of projects included in the Flash Appeal, in the case that they receive financing.
- Support the Vice ministry of Housing and Urban Development (VMVDU) in coordination of the sector on a national level.
- Conduct information management processes.
- Coordinate technical work groups.
Present at the signing was Raúl Ecay Torres, representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; Jorge Molina, Executive Director of Habitat El Salvador and the organization’s management team.
About Habitat for Humanity Latin America and the Caribbean
Habitat for Humanity first opened its doors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in 1979, and has since helped more than 100,000 low-income families to access adequate housing in the region. Headquartered in San Jose, Costa Rica, the Latin America and Caribbean regional office coordinates the efforts of 16 national organizations, as well as unique partnerships throughout the region. For more information, visit habitatlatino.org.