Winterization Assistance to Most Vulnerable HHs’ in Khost Province. ltpgtAs Afghanistan faces the impending harsh winter conditions, vulnerable populations living in open spaces are at significant risk due to extreme cold temperatures. The arrival of winter brings freezing weather, making it imperative to provide life-saving winterization assistance to individuals without adequate shelter to protect them from the cold. Many of these individuals lack the financial resources to acquire heating fuel, suitable winter clothing, and blankets necessary to stay warm. Consequently, the risk of hypothermia, acute respiratory infections, and cold-related fatalities rises significantly. This situation poses a particular threat to households without winter clothing, blankets, and heating materials, elevating the risk of respiratory infections, hypothermia, and preventable mortality, especially among women, children, and the elderly. Women, in particular, face increased health risks due to greater exposure to fumes and related hazards.ltbrgtAdding to the complexity of the situation, certain regions within the designated province are susceptible to winter-related disruptions like heavy snowfall, avalanches, and flooding, hindering beneficiaries' access to assistance. People with disabilities confront various barriers that limit their participation in society, including marginalization and restricted access to essential services and social activities. Tailored interventions are essential to mitigating these barriers, fostering their inclusion, and enabling their meaningful contributions to their communities.ltbrgtWith the generous support of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, CARE is steadfastly committed to addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable communities during the winter season. Our plan involves providing assistance through a cash-for-fuel heating initiative, as well as the distribution of winter clothing and blankets in accordance with shelter cluster guidelines. The project's primary objective is to support and complement existing Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items (ES-NFI) initiatives by rapidly scaling up interventions to meet the winterization needs of the most vulnerable populations, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Khost.ltbrgtThe cash-for-winterization intervention will be implemented following the guidance of the Afghanistan Cash  Voucher Working Group (CVWG) and shelter cluster guidelines. It includes the following key components: $200 for heating (cash), $57 for blankets (cash), and $74 for winter clothing (cash). Heating/fuel support will be provided in cash to all 1,707 targeted households, while winter clothing will be distributed to households with multiple vulnerabilities, estimated at 84% of the target population (1,434 households out of 1,707). An additional blanket package will be provided in-kind to households with severe vulnerabilities, estimated at 73% of the target population (1,246 households out of 1,707). The currency of transfer will be in Afghan Afghani (AFN) at the prevailing exchange rate. The assistance is unconditional and specifically earmarked for winterization needs. The chosen financial service provider (FSP) type is Hawala/Money Service Provider (MSP), and cash delivery will be facilitated through cash in hand or envelope, with a single tranche payment. lt/pgtltpgtOverall, the project will provide cash for heating for 1,707 Households, Winter clothing (in-kind) for 1434 households and Blanket packages (in-kind) for 1246 Households. In Spera district, the project will provide cash for heating for 854 Households, Winter clothing (in-kind) for 717 Households and Blanket packages (in-kind) for 623 Households while in Tani District, the project will provide cash for heating for 853 Households, Winter clothing (in-kind) for 717 Households and Blanket packages (in-kind) for 623 Households. lt/pgtltpgtltspan style="font-size: 14px"gtCARE brings extensive experience in responding to winterization needs, and a successful track record of executing similar projects funded by the same donor in the past.lt/spangtltbrgtlt/pgt