Coronavirus: An Impossible Choice for the World’s Vulnerable
See how coronavirus is making existing crises worse in the developing world.
Our Coronavirus Response
As coronavirus spreads, shelter saves lives
Discover how we are working to help people protect themselves in dangerously crowded camps and disaster zones.
At ShelterBox, we’re adapting how we work as coronavirus creates a whole new level of risk for vulnerable families who have lost their homes.
The potential impact of the pandemic in places where we’re already working – like crowded camps and makeshift settlements in Syria, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso – is terrifying.
These are places more cramped than the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where the virus spread four times faster than it did in Wuhan.
These are places where many people are already vulnerable because of underlying health issues and a lack of food. Where health care facilities are either non-existent or struggle to cope with demand at the best of times.
These are places where the impact of coronavirus could be more devastating than anything we have seen so far.
In the face of this coronavirus crisis, shelter means more than ever.
‘It’s not over until it’s over everywhere’
Our Chief Executive Sanj Srikanthan explains just how vital emergency shelter aid will be for families around the world during this global pandemic.
How we’re responding to coronavirus
Global travel restrictions are making it tougher for us to undertake our vital work.
But our links with local partners worldwide, combined with our storage of shelter materials and tools in multiple locations globally, means we are still able to get shelter to the families who need it most.
Find out how we’re adapting how we work during the coronavirus pandemic.
“The partnership between Rotary and ShelterBox provides a place of refuge for vulnerable people to stay as healthy as possible.
When it comes to fighting a pandemic, the most vulnerable need our protection – or everyone is at risk. As emergency shelter experts, ShelterBox has a vitally important part to play in the global response to Covid-19.”
John Hewko, CEO of Rotary International, ShelterBox’s partner in disaster relief
How you can support us
Donate to our coronavirus appeal
We need urgent funding. If we take action now, we can help limit the spread of coronavirus in places where few cases have been reported – as well as helping to slow its progress in places where the disease is spreading fast.
Do something at home
You might not be able to meet in person, but you and your community can continue to make sure families around the world receive the emergency shelter they need. We have a range of ideas and resources to help here!
Featured articles
Pictures from the frontline
See how we’re working with local partners to get shelter to the families who need it most
5 Things You Need to Know About Coronavirus
And how it’s affecting families living through disaster
Coronavirus quiz
How does the coronavirus crisis affect communities around the world? Take the quiz to test your knowledge and get the staggering facts.
Families ‘face crisis within a crisis’ with new coronavirus threat
ShelterBox urges people to remember the millions of displaced families who are even more vulnerable to coronavirus.
Coronavirus FAQs
We are taking the possible spread of coronavirus very seriously. Read the FAQs to learn more about what we’re doing.
Coronavirus statement from Sanj Srikanthan
ShelterBox Chief Executive says that ‘compassion and dedication to humanitarian values are more important than ever’.