ShelterBox Raises Funds to Support Displaced Families Worldwide

ShelterBox Launches £50k Appeal as Global Displacement Soars

An international disaster relief charity based in Cornwall has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to support families forced from their homes around the world.

ShelterBox is aiming to raise £50,000 through its Spring appeal as humanitarian needs continue to rise globally. The charity says more than 117 million people are currently displaced by disasters, conflict and extreme weather.

According to ShelterBox, women and girls are often among the most affected during crises.

“Disasters can affect entire communities, but not everyone experiences them in the same way,” said Kezhe Temir, Programme Officer at ShelterBox.

“Women and girls often face increased challenges and risks. They often make difficult decisions like fleeing homes or enduring long journeys to protect their families.”

📷Hawa feels much safer now she has a semi-permanent shelter with a lockable door

Why women and girls face greater risks

During emergencies, everyday tasks can become significantly more dangerous.

Activities such as going to school, collecting water, gathering food and firewood can be far more difficult when communities are displaced or scattered. ShelterBox says existing inequalities can deepen during crises, affecting access to healthcare, education and safety.

Kezhe explained that involving women in planning recovery responses can improve outcomes.

“When women are involved in response planning from the beginning, recovery is more effective, inclusive, and long-lasting. Women bring vital knowledge and understanding of their communities, resilience, and support others through crisis.

“With our partners, ShelterBox designs responses with women and their needs in mind. In every need assessment we check if women and girls face specific risks. And we support in different ways. From private shelters with lockable doors, to solar lights, safe cooking stoves, and reusable sanitary towels – items women want to maintain dignity and restore safety and hope.

“And it doesn’t stop there. We work with women, tailoring training and support so they can lead their own recovery, earn money, and understand their rights.”

📷Now with her own home, Hawa can tend to a garden where she grows food for her family

Life after fleeing conflict

One of the people supported by the charity is Hawa, who fled Sudan after conflict made daily life dangerous.

After crossing into Chad with her family, she lived in makeshift shelters where fire risk and insecurity were constant concerns. ShelterBox and its partner Help Tchad later supported the family with a more secure shelter.

Hawa said the difference has been significant.

“Before, during the night, I would wake up three or four times to check on those around me, but now that the house has been built, I wake up late when the children go to school, they are the ones waking me up.”

The organisations are now working to transform temporary shelters into semi durable homes that can withstand the rainy season while also helping families secure tenancy agreements.

Hawa added: “Now I’m safe when I go out, I can lock the house, I have water and electricity, which is already essential for me. Before, when I went out, I tried to get home quickly, but now I’m safe, so I go home whenever I want.”

📷Training and cash for work opportunities mean women in Somalia gain skills, earn income, and understand their rights (2)

Restoring dignity for displaced women

In northern Ethiopia, Kindi-Hafti was displaced by conflict with her family. ShelterBox and Positive Action for Development have been supporting thousands of displaced people in the region with shelter materials and essential supplies.

Access to sanitary products and underwear can be difficult for displaced women and girls, making daily life more challenging.

Through workshops and feedback sessions, the organisations worked with women to understand what was needed and adjust the support they provide.

Kindi-Hafti said: “With both disposable and reusable types, they are excellent if you handle them well. Soap distributions have also been transformative.”

She added: “The support has restored not only dignity but confidence. I have the self-confidence now to go out and participate in any public meeting. I can go anywhere without any hesitation or feeling of being less than others.”

📷Training and cash for work opportunities mean women in Somalia gain skills, earn income, and understand their rights

Appeal launched at a critical time

ShelterBox says its Spring appeal comes at a time when the demand for emergency shelter remains high while humanitarian funding is being reduced.

The charity, which has operational headquarters in Cornwall, has supported more than three million people in around 100 countries since it was founded in 2000.

Supporters can contribute to the appeal in several ways:

• £15 can provide a solar light to families left in darkness

• £58 could fund a hygiene kit for women and girls

• £402 can provide a family tent when a home has been destroyed

ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and essential items to families who have lost their homes to disasters. The charity has 13 affiliate organisations worldwide and has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012.

More information about the appeal and the charity’s work can be found on the ShelterBox website.

📷For women like Nuria in Somalia, solar lights make it safer to move around after dark – when there is no other lighting.

📷In Yemen, women are involved in local community committees set up by ShelterBox and BCHR to facilitate training and distribution

📷Local artisans in Malawi were involved in training with shelter repair kits by ShelterBox and CARE Malawi after flooding

📷Long-term tenancy agreements and more durable shelters mean better security for female-headed housholds in Somalia

📷Kindi-Hafti says she now has the confidence to carry out daily activities

📷Women are involved in complaints committees in Chad to report back on disaster responses

📷Lockable windows and solar lights offer women like Ambiya better protection.

📷Women involved in shelter training committees in Mozambique during ShelterBox and CARE Mozambique project

📷Kindi-Hafti and her family were displaced by conflict in northern Ethiopia

📷Kindi-Hafti and her family have been supported with shelter materials and other essential items from ShelterBox and PAD

📷Hawa feels much safer now she has a semi-permanent shelter with a lockable door