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Climate resilient housing for vulnerable populations

Climate resilient housing helps protect people from extreme weather events like hurricanes, heatwaves, and flooding. It involves building or upgrading homes using strong materials—such as reinforced concrete or timber—and designing them to withstand climate hazards. This includes features like elevated foundations, strong roofs, proper drainage, and natural ventilation. In the Caribbean, where many homes are exposed to storms and heat, resilient housing is essential for keeping communities safe and healthy.

In Aruba and St. Martin, ideas such as converting abandoned buildings into mixed-use housing for youth and the elderly, and offering rental subsidies for upper-floor housing, are being explored. These efforts aim to improve housing access while making homes safer and more climate-ready.

Feasibility & Local Applicability

Building climate resilient housing is technically feasible but can be expensive. Retrofitting existing homes is often more affordable than new construction. In Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Martin, small-scale pilot projects and international support—such as low-interest loans or grants—can help make these efforts more viable. Using locally available or recycled materials, like plastic or clay, can also reduce costs and increase sustainability. Scoping studies to identify opportunities are necessary.  

Co-benefits

Resilient housing not only protects people during storms and heatwaves but also improves everyday living conditions. It can reduce energy costs through better insulation and ventilation, and support local economies by creating jobs in construction and design. Revitalizing neighborhoods, can also boost social life and community pride.

Equity & Vulnerability Considerations

Housing initiatives must prioritize vulnerable groups—such as low-income families, the elderly, and youth—who often live in unsafe or overcrowded conditions. Participatory design processes, where residents help shape housing plans, ensure that homes meet real needs. Making housing affordable through subsidies or flexible financing is key to ensuring no one is left behind.

Costs

Medium – High | Costs vary depending on the scale and materials used. Retrofitting is generally cheaper than building new homes. Innovative financing such as public-private partnerships, can help reduce the financial burden.

Case-studies & Examples

Literature

Adaptation Options Overview