Targeted life-saving assistance through Cash for Shelter Upgrade or Repair, and Cash for Rent for returnees in Kunduz Province ltpgtAfghanistan continues to struggle with the effects of four decades of conflict, poverty, climate-induced crises, and barriers to women's equality and involvement in public life. The political change in August 2021 has intensified pre-existing vulnerabilities, including scarce livelihood opportunities for both urban and rural populations. Geopolitical and regional dynamics continue to impact Afghanistan, with 1.9 million Afghans having returned to the country in 2023, including over 471,000 from Pakistan since mid-September. An additional 1.4 million returnees are anticipated from Iran and Pakistan in 2024, predominantly settling in major urban centers. The housing situation for these returnees is precarious nearly half are renting, and most are in temporary shelters. Kunduz province is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, worsened by climate change, necessitating increased humanitarian assistance. The vulnerable populations in these areas, especially children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women, women-headed households, and those living with disabilities, are ill-prepared to face severe weather and economic difficulties.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtTo address these challenges, Concern has planned the following intervention:lt/pgtltpgtltbrgt-	Shelter Upgrade/Repair: 400 targeted households will receive cash assistance totaling $330, distributed in two installments, to enhance or repair their shelters.ltbrgt-	Skilled and Unskilled Labor (Shelter Upgrade/Repair): Concern will employ labor to assist in the upgrade or repair efforts for households led by women, children,  elderly people, or Persons with disabilities. This support will amount to $120 per household for 50 households.ltbrgt-	Cash for Rent: Concern will distribute cash for rent, following the ESNFI sector's guidelines, providing $55 monthly for a three-month period to 2119 targeted households.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtThe proposed intervention is designed to assist returnees with their housing needs by offering financial support for rent and shelter repairs, indirectly improving their health, livelihoods, security, and dignity. The project will utilise two unconditional cash installments (USD 165 each totaling $330) for shelter upgrade or repair, catering specifically to the needs of female, elderly, and disabled-headed households. Materials required for the repairs, typically made from mud and locally sourced items, will be procured through cash assistance based on feasibility assessments conducted with community representatives in the targeted districts. In these districts, construction materials are available in villages, facilitating safe and easy procurement by female-headed and disabled households. Additionally, Concern will provide cash for rent, at the ESNFI sector package of $55 per month for a three-month period, to 2119 targeted households to confront immediate vulnerabilities that exist due to a lack of shelter.  lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtThroughout the project's implementation, Concern will integrate gender and inclusion-sensitive strategies to promote equitable spending choices and ensure the response is inclusive of all community segments, particularly children, the elderly, women, and people with disabilities. Concern's program experience highlights that these groups are disproportionately affected by crises and face significant barriers in accessing humanitarian assistance and providing feedback. Thus, Concern is committed to maintaining a gender-balanced and diverse workforce, advocating with local authorities to ensure women can work and access humanitarian assistance, and engaging female Community Focal Points to address the views, preferences, challenges, and feedback of women and other vulnerable groups throughout the program cycle.lt/pgt