A beacon of hope has emerged for refugees in Kenya thanks to a unique initiative launched in 2022. The brainchild of Arada, a United Arab Emirates-based developer, the "Home for Home" program has successfully provided safe and secure housing for hundreds of displaced families.
The initiative works through a collaborative effort between Arada, the Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a UAE charity focused on humanitarian aid, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. For every home sold in Arada's communities in Sharjah during Ramadan, funds are allocated to construct a shelter unit within the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northern Kenya.
This program has yielded significant results. Since its inception, "Home for Home" has funded the construction of 757 homes, currently housing 448 families. This initiative represents a substantial contribution to addressing the critical need for shelter within the Kakuma Camp, which hosts a large population of refugees fleeing conflict and persecution in neighboring countries.
Kenya is one of the largest refugee-hosting nations in Africa, with over 767, 000 refugees and asylum seekers. Many refugees reside in camps like Kakuma, often in cramped and unsafe conditions. The "Home for Home" initiative directly addresses this challenge by providing sturdier and more permanent housing solutions.
The homes constructed through "Home for Home" are not merely shelters; they represent a crucial step towards a sense of normalcy and stability for displaced families. These dwellings provide much-needed privacy and security, allowing families to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Beyond housing, the "Home for Home" initiative has also sponsored the development of essential water supply infrastructure within the Kakuma Camp, benefiting over 43, 000 people. This demonstrates the project's commitment to not only providing shelter but also improving the overall well-being of refugees.
The success of "Home for Home" underscores the power of collaboration in addressing global humanitarian challenges. By combining the resources of a private developer, a charitable foundation, and the UN Refugee Agency, this initiative has made a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of refugees.
The program serves as a model for future initiatives, showcasing how innovative partnerships can effectively address the critical needs of displaced populations around the world.