Quang Nam, Vietnam – 6th June 2023, Habitat for Humanity Vietnam organized a launching ceremony for a two-year project, aimed at building disaster-resilient communities, in Tan Binh Town, Hiep Duc district, Quang Nam Province. The “Improve Disaster Resilience for Communities” project will focus on building capacity to reduce communities’ vulnerability in Hiep Duc and Tien Phuoc Districts, Quang Nam Province, to natural disasters. 
Besides community members, the ceremony welcomed representatives from the JTI Foundation, the Union of Friendship Organizations of Quang Nam Province, Quang Nam Department of Foreign Affairs, and government authorities from Tien Phuoc and Hiep Duc districts.
Under the project, Habitat Vietnam will leverage its expertise and experience in implementing the Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA) to enhance local disaster risk reduction (DRR) capacity and provide resilient housing interventions. The project will run from April 2023 to November 2024 and will be implemented in Hiep Duc and Tien Phuoc Districts, which have been significantly affected by natural disasters in central Vietnam.
Ms. Maricelle Regino-Borja – National Director of Habitat for Humanity Vietnam, emphasized, “Our deep understanding of the region’s typical disasters will ensure that all Habitat houses incorporate features to withstand and mitigate the impact of natural hazards. And through the PASSA approach, we empower communities to participate in disaster risk reduction actively. We are grateful for the support of our provincial and district government partners and the JTI Foundation, whose collaboration has been instrumental in making this project possible. Housing plays a vital role in climate change adaptation, serving as the foundation for resilience. Together, we are building stronger communities for a sustainable future.”
This project is funded by the JTI Foundation, through a partnership with Nadacia Habitat for Humanity International. By the end of the project, the key deliverables will include enhanced disaster risk reduction capacity in two communities in Hiep Duc and Tien Phuoc Districts (Quang Nam Province). Additionally, 200 family members will benefit from improved community infrastructure initiatives such as reinforcing evacuation points, clearing critical roads and pathways, and cleaning drainage canals. The project aims to build 40 new disaster-resilient houses and renovate 60 existing houses, ultimately benefiting 100 households. Furthermore, the project will enhance awareness for 100 people about the importance of disaster resilience and preparedness./
