Cornish Charity Celebrates 25 Years: Royal Recognition as Global Impact Grows

More than 3 million people helped as worldwide displacement reaches crisis levels

A Cornwall-based disaster relief charity that started as a small project to support families in need has now provided emergency shelter to over three million people across the world. ShelterBox, founded in 2000, is marking its 25th anniversary with a special invitation from The King and Queen to attend a humanitarian sector event at Buckingham Palace on 20th February.

Photo: After floods ravaged Malawi, ShelterBox supported people with emergency shelter and held a training session in construction with the local community assembling temporary shelters

From Local Idea to Global Impact

ShelterBox was born out of an idea from the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard, initially aiming to assist a few dozen families each year. Over the past quarter-century, it has grown into a global organisation, responding to disasters and conflicts in around 100 countries across Asia, Africa, South America, Oceania, Europe, and North America.

With an average of 300 people receiving ShelterBox’s aid every day, the charity has evolved beyond its iconic green boxes to offer tailored emergency responses. Chief executive Sanj Srikanthan said:

“Our aid has developed over time, and we learned to go beyond the green ShelterBoxes that gave us our name to reach more people in more places.”

Photo: Maryam was supported by ShelterBox after her home was destroyed by severe flooding in Pakistan

A Crisis That’s Tripled in 25 Years

When ShelterBox was founded, approximately 40 million people were displaced worldwide. Today, that number has tripled to over 120 million, driven by the climate crisis, conflicts, and natural disasters. The need for emergency shelter has never been greater.

Looking ahead, the numbers are even more alarming. In the next 25 years, an estimated 1.2 billion people—one in six of the global population—could lose their homes due to disasters.

Scaling Up to Meet Growing Needs

ShelterBox is expanding its reach by strengthening partnerships and pre-positioning aid supplies worldwide. This proactive approach aims to ensure the charity can respond faster and more effectively when disasters strike.

Alice Jefferson, Head of Emergency Responses, highlighted the importance of preparation:

“ShelterBox has always been good at reacting to events, responding quickly when major disasters unfold. But we want to get even better. That’s why we are putting more effort into anticipating what might happen where and preparing accordingly.”

To improve its impact, the charity is enhancing supply chains, increasing its network of suppliers, and strengthening partnerships in high-risk regions.

Photo: ShelterBox and Juba Foundation are supporting people displaced by conflict and extreme weather in Somalia

Shelter for a Changing World

ShelterBox’s aid now includes a range of solutions tailored to different environments. In Pakistan and Syria, concrete bases provide stability in flood-prone areas. In the Philippines, storm strapping reinforces timber shelters. Yemen benefits from iron-framed, fire-resistant shelters, while in Burkina Faso, wooden-frame Sahelian tents are designed to withstand extreme weather.

The charity’s mission remains unchanged: ensuring no one is left without shelter after disaster.

📷2SW611C Queen Camilla during a reception celebrating exceptional individuals and organisations contributing towards humanitarian efforts across the globe at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Thursday February 20, 2025.

Photo: Queen Camilla during a reception celebrating exceptional individuals and organisations contributing towards humanitarian efforts across the globe at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Thursday February 20, 2025.

Looking to the Future

Reflecting on the milestone, Sanj said:

“In a perfect world we wouldn’t be marking this milestone, but the need for emergency shelter around the world has never been more urgent and we recognise that our work is not yet done.

“While much has changed in 25 years, what remains the same is the people we support are at the heart of what we do and our supporters and volunteers are driving us forward—giving their time to make a difference to others, raise awareness, and funds for people they will never meet.”

With global displacement reaching unprecedented levels and disasters increasing in frequency and severity, ShelterBox’s work is more critical than ever. As the charity looks to the next 25 years, its commitment to providing shelter remains unwavering.

For more information, visit shelterbox.org.

Photo: King Charles III shakes hands with Fern Britton during a reception celebrating exceptional individuals and organisations contributing towards humanitarian efforts across the globe at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Thursday February 20, 2025.