Shelter Rehabilitation
As a result of the widespread destruction of homes during the 1999 conflict,
UMCOR has been engaged in shelter reconstruction activities since July 1999.
During this time, UMCOR Kosovo facilitated the rehabilitation of homes that
received light to medium damage (Category II-IV), as well as homes that were
completely destroyed (Category V). Between July 1999 and May 2002, the UMCOR
Kosovo Shelter Reconstruction Program facilitated the reconstruction of 165
new homes as well as the repair of an additional 900 homes.
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Smail Uka's house was
rebuilt under the shelter
reconstruction program jointly funded by Swiss
Interchurch Aid (HEKS) and ACT Netherlands in the
village of Bajgora, Mitrovica Municipality.
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The goal of the Shelter Reconstruction Program, funded through
an appeal issued by ACT International, was to provide housing to the most
vulnerable families in the Mitrovica/Mitrovicë area through the self-help
reconstruction of their war-damaged houses. Through this program, 75 families
received shelter assistance, in which 38 Category V houses were reconstructed
and 37 Category II-IV houses were rehabilitated. By reconstructing their own
homes, these families met their urgent need for shelter as well as taking steps
toward rehabilitating their lives themselves.The purpose of the Reconstruction of Category V Houses
Program was to provide an opportunity for 20 families in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë
town to return to or remain in their home community. Participants in this
program were required to make a 20% down payment on the reconstruction of
their homes. This methodology was used in order to promote a sense of self and
community reliance as well as increasing the personal stake that these
beneficiaries had in the reconstruction of their homes. Through this HEKS-funded
program, a total of 31 homes were rebuilt for 251 family members.
Return to UMCOR Kosovo home page.
Updated December 2003 |
