Discovering a safe space after the Turkey earthquakes
Aleu's Story revisited
We re-visited Aleu to see how the family have been getting on since receiving support from ShelterBox, partnered with Rotary, after the Turkey earthquakes.
Recovering after Hurricane Maria
Simon's story
When we met 81-year-old Simon, he had lived in Wesley in northeast Dominica for more than 60 years.
He built his home himself and lives alone, as his four children are grown-up and have moved overseas.
When Hurricane Maria, a category 5 storm, hit Dominica, Simon’s peaceful life turned upside down.
Simon had to leave his home, seeking shelter in one of his local churches. But the extreme winds broke the door open and water started pouring in.
As he searched for dry ground, Simon was hit in the head by a piece of wood.
Finally, he managed to find a shelter where he could rest for a few days before cleaning up what was left of his house.
Helping Simon rebuild
Our teams worked tirelessly to help communities begin recovering in the Caribbean. On the island of Dominica, we provided shelter kits to help families make repairs to their homes.
Moreover, our teams carried out training sessions with members of the local community to show people the different ways the kit can be used, and how to make stronger, more resilient structures.
When our teams conducted a training session in the community of Wesley in northeast Dominica, they met Simon for the first time. After talking people through the theoretical part of the training, the team then did a practical demonstration by rebuilding the roof of Simon’s house.
He was very grateful and surprised by the shelter kit and the help that the community provided to cover the roof above his bedroom.
Tools, materials and skills
At ShelterBox, we know that shelter is not just a roof, canvas or tarpaulin over your head. It’s the process of recovery, of returning to normal when disaster strikes.
That’s why we don’t just provide items that give shelter, but items and training that help people make better shelters.
Right now, there are many more people like Simon who have lost so much after disaster. You can give them the tools they need to pave the road to their recovery.
Read more stories of shelter
Discovering a community in Minawao Camp
Dogidem's Story
Minawao Camp in northern Cameroon receives several dozen refugees every week. Dogidem is one of three women in Minawao Camp who received ShelterBox aid that were visited regularly over six months, to learn about their life and experiences.
Finding a Community in Minawao Camp
Kaltoumi B's Story
Kaltoumi B fled to Cameroon from violence in Nigeria. She is one of three women who received ShelterBox aid in Minawao Camp who we regularly visited over six months, to learn about their lives and experiences.
Building a new life in Minawao Camp
Kaltoumi's Story
Kaltoumi fled to Cameroon in 2014, after extremist group Boko Haram made repeated attacks on her village in Nigeria. We visited Kaltoumi several times over a 6 month period to hear her story.
Recovering from the Pakistan Flooding
Rustam's Story
Rustam’s family lost everything when the floods hit their village in Pakistan. Read Rustam’s story of recovery.
Moving through trauma after the Turkey earthquakes
Aleu's Story
Before the earthquakes, Aleu’s home was a source of security and comfort. Now, her families too afraid to sleep inside.