How do communities effectively respond to housing needs in the wake of disasters? This paper clarifies the often-confused terminology surrounding “sheltering” and “housing” in disaster literature. The author proposes a differentiation among emergency sheltering, temporary sheltering, temporary housing, and permanent housing. They indicate how they are paid differential attention in American disaster planning. The study examines the different patterns of sheltering and housing, noting their distinctions and the challenges associated with each. It gives specific observations about the four patterns, and notes how they differ from one another. It also notes how the patterns might not be applicable in all types of societies. This analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of disaster response. By clarifying the distinctions between different types of sheltering and housing, it informs disaster planning efforts and promotes more effective strategies for supporting affected populations. There will be a future increase in problems in all the patterns.
Appearing in Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, this article is directly relevant to the journal’s focus. It addresses the critical issues of disaster response and community resilience, offering insights for policymakers, planners, and practitioners involved in disaster preparedness and management. The increase in problems in all patterns will continue into the future.