Disaster-Resilient Housing in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic faces a significant risk of internal displacement due to frequent natural disasters, especially affecting impoverished communities living in informal settlements. Hurricanes, floods, and storms threaten lives and livelihoods, displacing thousands annually.

As a response, since 2015, I have been collaborating with single-mother families to build or repair wooden houses with secure cement block kitchens that double as storm shelters. These families lack stable income and resources, making them particularly vulnerable. By utilizing existing materials and engaging community efforts, we create safe spaces where families can protect themselves during disasters. To enhance resilience, I’m developing an affordable prefab hurricane-proof house that should be built with recyclable material that families can assemble, stay safe inside of it and secure their belongings, and even disassemble for storage. Encouraging the use of recyclable materials through housing incentives and streamlined property title processes could provide lasting benefits for these families.

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