LENSS Tool Kit - Local Estimate of Needs for Shelter and Settlement: Field Version

The LENSS Tool Kit is designed to alleviate the
difficulties of shelter and settlement needs assessment
in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and before the
recovery phase.

LENSS draws on two methods for a well-articulated
and focused assessment of shelter and settlement
needs. These methods include an estimate of the
situation and census taking.

An estimate of the situation is a commonplace
instrument in military and disaster management
communities. It refers to a logical process of reasoning
by which a leader considers the circumstances affecting
the situation and arrives at a decision as to the course
of action to be taken in order to accomplish their
assigned mission. This may also be called an assessment
of the situation.

The essential features LENSS draws on are the logical
process and the focus on a single decision-maker or
authority. Under LENSS, the authority in charge of
assessing shelter and settlement needs is the locality.