After the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye in February 2023, an estimated 2.7 million people were displaced across the country, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Two years later, about 1.6 million people are still in need of support, including access to safe shelter, in the most affected provinces like Hatay and Antakya.

In response, we partnered with the International Organisation for Migration – Türkiye (IOM Türkiye) to provide safe and dignified temporary homes. Together, and with the help of local authorities, we delivered 70 Relief Housing Units to families in Antakya and surrounding villages in Hatay Province.

A safe place to call home

These shelters now serve as temporary homes for more than 350 people, offering a safer and more stable place to live. They provide privacy, insulation, and protection from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures.

“The regular tents leaked in winter and became too hot in summer. This shelter has good insulation and a strong structure, making it feel like a real home.”

Displaced person in Hatay, Türkiye

Installation of the shelters was a collaborative effort. IOM’s engineers trained local authorities on how to assemble the units, while distribution and setup were coordinated with the Deputy Governor’s Office and AFAD. This allowed families to remain within their communities and familiar surroundings, while living in safer, more dignified conditions.