Work

Community Building in Crisis: Interventions With Displaced Communities in Temporary Housing Shelters

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Emergency displacement is a widespread phenomenon impacting all facets of life and increasing rates of psychological trauma. This article analyzes the effects of shared residency among evacuated and fragmented communities, focusing on social and communal disparities in temporary shelters. By adopting theoretical perspectives of community building and social capital, it describes interventions aimed at promoting resilience within newly formed shelter communities. A qualitative study was conducted in temporary housing shelters in Israel during wartime. The study included four focus groups with 31 professionals and an analysis of recent emergency protocols. Professional interventions following displacement into temporary evacuation centers create a new reference community, "the shelter community." These mobilizing interventions include establishing volunteer emergency teams, strengthening community cohesion, and fostering community participation in renewed daily routines. Community building interventions in temporary housing shelters can foster personal and community empowerment following disasters worldwide.

Source: Journal of Community Psychology

DOI: 10.1002/jcop.23170

Authors: Iris Posklinsky, Hani Nouman

Institution: University of Haifa

Language: English

Topic: Disaster Management and Resilience

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,620