In early 2024, Every Shelter unveiled Tukul 2.0, a prototype home built with sustainable materials like Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSB), bamboo, and palm fronds. This innovative design demonstrated how alternative building materials can tackle common housing challenges, from termite infestations to costly maintenance—all while addressing environmental concerns like deforestation and climate change.
But this was just the beginning.
A New Approach to Housing Challenges
In the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, 75% of households reported needing home repairs within the past year, many involving roof replacements. This cycle of frequent repairs places a heavy financial burden on already struggling families. Traditional grass thatching—though commonly used—is not durable, leading to rapid decay and repeated maintenance.
That’s why we launched the second phase of Tukul 2.0: A pilot project to train skilled individuals in Bidibidi to repair or rebuild their roofs using bamboo and palm fronds.
Empowering Communities, Building Resilience
Our goal is simple but powerful: to empower communities to build more resilient and sustainable homes. We’re doing this by:
• Training skilled individuals in roof construction and repair using bamboo and palm fronds.
• Equipping local artisans and builders with the knowledge to become future trainers, ensuring the sustainability of these practices.
• Collaborating with local partners, including HAS, for materials and Alight to identify households in need.
Our Plan for Impact
By training community members, we’re creating local experts who can continue this work long after the pilot ends.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
• Community Engagement: Identifying skilled participants ready to learn and rebuild.
• Hands-on Training: Covering everything from material harvesting to roof framing, thatching, and maintenance.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking the performance and durability of the roofs, collecting feedback, and learning how to improve future projects.
Why It Matters
This initiative goes beyond building shelter—it’s about creating stability, dignity, and opportunity. Durable homes mean families can spend less time worrying about repairs and more time focusing on essentials like food, education, and healthcare. By choosing locally sourced, sustainable materials, we’re building stronger homes, protecting the environment, and boosting local economies.
How You Can Help
None of this would be possible without generous supporters like you. By joining us, you’re not just funding a roof—you’re investing in innovation, community empowerment, and long-term resilience.
Together, we can bring dignity to the displaced.
