During this initial phase, it is important for the Cluster to immediately establish a clear overview of the shelter situation, to highlight information gaps and ensure that response planning will be evidence-based. This can be done through identifying existing data and information sources, as well as setting up a system to track partner assessment plans. At this stage, the Shelter Cluster should begin to work with partners in order to identify the predominant shelter typologies of the affected population and the materials used in vernacular construction in order to start planning what kind of response is most appropriate. 

•  1Gi   Assessment Registry- Syria interactive SNFI Assessment Registry Dashboard.  An assessment registry can be a simple Excel sheet or a dashboard, to keep track of relevant assessments being conducted by cluster partners. This can enhance coordination of information sharing between Shelter Cluster partners and can prevent multiple Shelter Cluster partners conducting multiple shelter assessments in the same location. In Syria, a dashboard was used to communicate assessments in a simple format for all Shelter Cluster partners. https://www.sheltercluster.org/syria-hub/syria-interactive-snfi-assessment-registry 

• 1Gii   Secondary Data Review Secondary Data Review Guidance UNHCR.  Reviewing secondary data and information on a regular basis helps consolidate knowledge on the situation and identify information gaps.

• 1Giii   Secondary Data Review Techncial Essay on Housing Sector in Ukraine. The Shelter Cluster in Ukraine in order to lay the groundwork for recovery interventions conducted research of available data on the housing sector in Ukraine and published a paper to generate discussions on longer-term housing solutions, housing finance, housing policies, and tenure security.

• 1Giv  Secondary Data Review Syria Shelter NFI Needs Secondary Data Review. The Shelter Cluster in Syria partnered with REACH Initiatives in order to lay the groundwork for the first extensive assessment on Shelter and NFI availability, access, and needs. This required a review of existing assessments and other data sources from the Syria SNFI Assessment registry. The SDR process requires analysing assessments and documents and identifying common trends and gaps that the fuller assessment can address.

• 1Gv   Secondary Data Review Philippines Typhoon Yolanda 2014 ACAPS conducted a multi-sectorial secondary data review which included relevant information about the context of the Philippines but also an overview of main materials used in shelters, estimations of how many houses had been damaged, and the locations of these homes. Principles for building back safer from other responses were also included. 

• 1Gvi  Shelter Profiles Detailed Country Profile Fiji  In order to ensure the quality of the response, the Shelter Cluster should ensure a basic mapping of shelter typologies, vernacular construction techniques, and materials used in local shelters. This detailed document was produced with support from CRAterre about the local construction practices in Fiji. This work can be outsourced to specialised stakeholders. the Global Shelter Cluster team can support in arranging such support for country-level clusters. This work has informed both shelter response and preparedness actions for the Shelter Cluster partners and government in Fiji. 
• 1Gvii  Shelter Profiles Local Construction Catalogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo The Shelter Cluster in the Democratic Republic of Congo partnered with UNHCR and CRAterre to make a catalogue of local construction techniques and materials in order to better inform the response. This catalogue is a resource to inform partners’ shelter activities.