Sheltersuch

Sheltersuch is a term used in humanitarian and urban planning contexts to denote the systematic process of locating, evaluating, and provisioning shelter resources for populations in need. The word combines shelter with Untersuch, the German word for examination or inquiry, and is used in German-language operational literature to describe shelter-focused assessment work.

In practice, sheltersuch covers situational assessment, shelter mapping, and the design and delivery of shelter options. Its objectives include identifying suitable shelter options, estimating capacity and suitability, ensuring safety and access to basic services, and aligning solutions with local housing markets and cultural preferences. The approach aims to support timely, appropriate, and culturally acceptable shelter responses that fit both emergency needs and longer-term housing goals.

A typical sheltersuch workflow includes rapid needs assessment, shelter inventory and mapping using GIS and remote sensing, site evaluation for safety and proximity to services, selection and design of shelter prototypes, implementation planning, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The process emphasizes coordination among relief agencies, local authorities, and affected communities to ensure transparency and ownership.

Methods rely on field data collection, satellite imagery, drone surveys, and participatory approaches with communities. Sheltersuch is guided by humanitarian standards and ethical considerations, including protection from discrimination, accessibility for people with disabilities, informed consent, and environmental responsibility. Critics note the importance of integrating shelter work with broader housing, livelihoods, and urban resilience programs to avoid short-term fixes without durable solutions.