Given the overwhelming needs within the shelter sector that are only partially met by the international community following a disaster, the International Organization for Migration is seeking an alternative approach to address the need for safer shelters by engaging non-traditional actors like diasporas. This session will cover the lessons learned through an IOM project working with the US-based Haitian, Filipino, and Bangladeshi diasporas. Mechanisms for leveraging diaspora engagement for stronger and more effective humanitarian assistance, specifically through awareness raising activities and identifying shelter solutions in countries of origin (e.g. microfinance loans for retrofitting) will be discussed.