The lack of lighting in displacement sites further exacerbates the winter challenges. Families navigate dark pathways at night, heightening fears of violence and accidents. Women report avoiding latrines after dark due to safety concerns, highlighting how the absence of basic infrastructure deepens insecurity.
Effective site management plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by streamlining coordination and ensuring that critical needs are met. In displacement sites across Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis in the middle area of Gaza, DRC and PARC are leading efforts to improve shelter conditions, distribute winterisation materials, and establish safer living environments.
Site management ensures equitable distribution of blankets, mattresses, and warm clothing, prioritising the most vulnerable. It also coordinates infrastructure improvements, such as installing drainage channels to mitigate flooding and setting up solar-powered lighting to enhance safety and accessibility. By fostering clear communication channels, site management connects displaced families to essential services, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
Shelter is the cornerstone of winter resilience. However, in Gaza’s displacement sites, many shelters are makeshift structures pieced together with tarpaulins and scraps. These fragile homes offer little protection from the cold or rain. Overcrowding remains rampant, with 95% of sites housing multiple families in a single space, stripping away any sense of privacy or dignity.
Site management addresses these dire conditions by coordinating shelter repairs and distributing essential materials like tarpaulins and insulation. Additionally, by engaging local communities, site managers empower residents to undertake basic maintenance, fostering a sense of autonomy even amidst displacement.
