Habitat for Humanity Shelter Catalogues

A collection of disaster resilience and recovery case studies

Since 1998, Habitat has implemented disaster resilience and recovery projects in vulnerable communities around the world. A record of our work through 2012 was published as a collection of case studies in the inaugural Disaster Response Shelter Catalogue, available below. 

To reflect the work done since 2012, a series of five themed editions are currently being developed and will be made available on this page as they are completed. Each of these will showcase a collection of case studies relating to a particular topic as well as lessons learned. 

The first two thematic editions are now available below. Please be sure to check back to see our future publications. 

PDF cover image with Habitat logo and green text "Disaster Response Shelter Catalogue" over a photo of a young boy leaning out a window to look at the camera below.

Habitat for Humanity Disaster Response Shelter Catalogue 1998-2012

Published in 2013, this edition of the Disaster Response Shelter Catalogue is a collection of more than 60 case studies describing the breadth of Habitat’s disaster response projects around the world between 1998 and 2012. 

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PDF cover image with Habitat logo and text "Disaster Recovery and Resilience Shelter Catalogue: Working in Urban Environments" overlayed on a photo of a mural on a city building depicting a young girl.

Working in Urban Environments

By 2030, almost 5 billion people — 60% of the world’s population — will live in urban areas.

These case studies explore complex factors like population growth, urban density dynamics, and governance that are shaping recovery work in intricate urban contexts. These factors, which are inherently in flux, are further compounded by the escalating threat of disasters.

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At a disaster supplies distribution center in Paraguay, a man in Habitat-branded clothing and a man wearing a shirt with logo "Shelter Box response team" work together to fold a plastic tarp.

Pursuing Partnerships

Working in partnership allows Habitat to respond in locations where there is either no presence or a limited presence of a Habitat-affiliated organization. These relationships create surge capacity and allow for enhanced knowledge sharing as well as more extensive advocacy for sustainable, durable shelter and settlements solutions.

This publication presents case studies from Ecuador, Peru, Commonwealth of Dominica, Central America, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Bangladesh and Ukraine.

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Upcoming publications

Building Resilience

Anticipated release: Winter 2025

Resilient housing is more than just a roof; it is the foundation of safe, thriving communities. Building and community resilience are paramount for safeguarding lives, minimizing displacement and reducing long-term economic disruption. 

The case studies within this publication present efforts toward sustainable resilience – community engagement, social cohesion, supportive policies and appropriate building technologies – in the following locations: Fiji, Puerto Rico, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Advancing Innovation

Currently in development

Evolving challenges within disaster resilience and recovery work require an innovative approach. Often originating in observation and analysis, innovation improves communication, modernizes processes and advances sustainable practices.

The case studies within this publication document Habitat’s implementation of innovative projects and programming in Nepal, Malawi, Lebanon, Germany, Haiti and Guatemala.

Restoring Communities

Currently in development

Habitat for Humanity’s “Pathways to Permanence” approach is a comprehensive strategy that strengthens the humanitarian-development nexus in shelter and settlements. This holistic approach addresses the critical gap between immediate aid and sustainable development by ensuring resilience and self-sufficiency for affected populations through access to durable and permanent housing solutions.

This publication presents case studies from India, Indonesia, Malawi and Mexico.