Building Inclusive Shelter – Cambodia Case Study
In the heart of Cambodia, about 45 kilometres from the bustling city of Siem Reap, lies the small village of Chob, nestled in Chob Ta Trav Commune, Angkor Thum District. Chob is home to 172 families, totalling 781 people, struggling to make ends meet in a place where basic necessities are often out of reach.
Among these families is Mrs. Nhan, a mother of three, who lives with her husband, elderly mother, two daughters, and one son in a tiny wooden house. The home is a mere 4 by 3.5 meters, its walls patched together with coconut leaves and scraps of wood, held up by old wooden beams, and topped with a zinc roof. This fragile shelter was built with a $30 contribution for the roofing materials and the help of some kind neighbours.
“I feel unsafe for myself and my family members, but we have no choice,” Nhan shared. “Our shelter is uncomfortable and unstable. Every time it rains or there’s a strong wind, the house shakes and leaks. I’m always afraid it might collapse, so I often take my children outside for safety.”
For Nhan and her family, their survival has hinged on irregular agricultural work and the meagre income of about $45 a month. This barely covers basics like food and medical treatment. To supplement their income, the family spends their time catching crabs, frogs, and other small wildlife. Living in poverty for so long has left Nhan and her family feeling trapped by their difficult circumstances.
However, in recent months, a new project, aimed at providing safer shelters for vulnerable families, has given Nhan and others like her, a glimmer of hope. The BUILD Gender-Inclusive Approach to Shelter and Resilience Building project began its implementation in Chob Ta Trav Commune where Nhan was invited to join a community meeting to form a PASSA (Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness) group.
Reflecting on this, Nhan shares, “I was very happy to be part of the project. I have hope that it will bring change to vulnerable families like mine and improve life for our entire community in Chob Ta Trav Commune.”
This project isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about dignity, safety, and giving families like Nhan’s a chance to rebuild their lives. For the families of Chob, this project marks the beginning of a new chapter – one where their lives are no longer defined by the instability of their homes, but by the strength and resilience they’ve shown in the face of adversity.
BUILD Gender-Inclusive Approach to Shelter and Resilience Building project Chob, Cambodia receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and is in partnership with our implementing partner Habitat for Humanity Cambodia.
