Homeless International launched an appeal to support slum communities affected by the recent violence in Kenya.
Recently, Kenya has experienced unprecedented violence stemming from a disputed presidential election. The violence affected six of Kenya's eight provinces, with urban areas bearing the brunt. Within the urban areas the worst violence was experienced in poorer neighbourhoods and especially slum settlements. The violence was characterised by looting, burning of homes and businesses, and forceful displacement of residents.
Homeless International and its long-term partner, the Pamoja Trust, have been working with the slum communities directly affected by this violence. Whilst Homeless International cannot provide immediate aid relief, in response to the unfolding crisis, it is launching an appeal to provide slum dwellers with the longer-term resources to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
In all of the affected regions, Homeless International has previously supported communities in developing savings and loan groups. Disbursements for house and business reconstruction can be made to the victims through these existing networks - approximately £78 per house will be given. Through providing such resources, Homeless International can enable displaced slum households to re-build their structures and leave the relief camps where most are currently situated.
Homeless International also plans to provide livelihood opportunity relief - targeted at enabling the affected people within the slums to re-start or recover their livelihood activities. Loans of approximately £39 per house will be given and tracked through existing community savings groups.
Larry English, Chief Executive of Homeless International said:
This conflict is not ethnic, but political and economic. It's the poor and vulnerable that suffer in these situations. It's their homes and livelihoods that have been destroyed.
The community-led organisations we have supported in Kenya for many years are well-organised, non-partisan and non-ethnic and have an incredible track record in improving the livelihoods and living conditions of the urban poor.
It's their great work that is being undone and they need our immediate support. We intend supporting them and we appeal for you to support us.
To make a donation to the Kenya Appeal, please visit the Homeless International website at www.homeless-international.org/kenyaappeal
