Interview with Mustafa, ReliefAid worker in Syria
Hear from Mustafa, a photographer for ReliefAid, as he gives us an insight on what it’s really like to be on the ground in Syria.
See More
Working in partnerships is in our DNA. We have always focused on building lasting relationships and powerful partnerships so we can support the people who need us in a way that is right for them.
Read more about how we make those operational partnerships work, so we can provide families with the essential shelter they need to start recovering from a disaster.
Together in the fight against coronavirus
Right now, we need our partners more than ever – and the feeling is mutual.
During the coronavirus pandemic, travel restrictions mean that collaboration with partners has never been more important. Disasters don’t wait – and now families who have faced disaster are also facing this new and deadly threat.
The need for our support has never been greater.
When we work together with partners, we each play an essential role in making sure disaster-affected communities receive the help they need.
Why is ShelterBox needed?
We are one of the few emergency shelter specialists in the world.
When disaster strikes, communities often need many types of support. Emergency shelter is our focus, but other needs can include WASH facilities (water, sanitation and hygiene), food or healthcare. Many agencies will often come together to add their expertise to a coordinated response.
ShelterBox is recognised in the humanitarian sector for our world-leading technical and specialist expertise in emergency shelter.
Our staff and volunteers have specialist skills that many larger organisations don’t have. We are valued for being flexible enough to work side by side with partners, we provide training not only for the communities we support but also for local partners who will provide longer-term support when we are no longer there.
Why is ShelterBox needed?
Every time we respond to a disaster, we always evaluate the quality of our aid by asking families how it has worked for them. By listening to their feedback, we have been able to constantly evolve our shelter aid items to be the most suitable, quality items that people need.
This family-centred approach and attention to detail is one of the reasons we are so well respected in the humanitarian community.
We provide an in-depth understanding of what works in different emergency situations. Over 20 years of disaster experience helps us to efficiently work through challenges and come up with solutions in wide-ranging scenarios.
We also provide training for partner teams on how best to use the items we provide. In return, we benefit from our partners’ local presence, their knowledge of communities and their in-country connections.
Who are our partners?
Our partnerships ensure we can pool resources and support families around the world in the most efficient way
Rotary International
ShelterBox began in 2000 as a Cornish Rotary Club’s millennium project.
With the support of Rotary members and clubs around the world, ShelterBox has grown to become an internationally recognised, independent disaster relief organisation. Since 2012, ShelterBox and Rotary International have been official Project Partners in disaster relief.
Whenever disaster strikes, Rotary is beside us – from the earliest planning stages to final evaluations, our partners help us to make contacts on the ground, organise logistics, and reach remote communities who might otherwise go without.
Each year, Rotary members help us to go further, support more people and access areas that would otherwise be impossible to reach. Read what we achieved in partnership across 2023 here.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
ShelterBox is one of the few organisations to have a global cooperation agreement with The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This unique partnership lets us work closely with them to provide emergency shelter to vulnerable families after disaster.
Habitat for Humanity International
After many years of successful collaboration, ShelterBox also has a formalised relationship with Habitat for Humanity International.
The agreement guides joint working during disaster responses where ShelterBox focuses on the initial emergency need for shelter after disaster, and Habitat for Humanity looks to the longer term for families and communities.
Our partners in Syria
In Syria, we work with Bahar Organization, Hand in Hand for Aid and Development and ReliefAid to provide aid to families affected by the ongoing conflict.
Our partners in the Lake Chad Basin and wider Africa
Other organisations we have worked with include IEDA Relief, ACTED, and Plan International – delivering projects in countries like Iraq and Nigeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Somaliland.
When severe flooding caused devastation across the north and south of Pakistan, father of four, Abdul, lost his home and his livelihood. After receiving a ShelterBox tent, Abdul and his family told us they were joyful to have a roof over their heads.
Hide