How global partnerships delivered shelter and hope after disaster
In 2025, ShelterBox and Rotary strengthened their long-standing partnership to support communities affected by disaster, conflict, and climate-related crises around the world. Together, they reached more than 231,000 people across 17 countries and territories, continuing a legacy that has now supported over three million people since 2000.
From earthquakes and floods to conflict-driven displacement, the collaboration between local Rotary networks and ShelterBox teams enabled rapid, effective, and locally informed responses.
ShelterBox Impact 2025: A Global Humanitarian Response
The scale of humanitarian need in 2025 remained significant. Communities across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean faced overlapping crises, including drought, conflict, and extreme weather.
In Ethiopia, thousands of displaced families received emergency shelter and essential household items. In Sudan and Chad, ShelterBox supported people fleeing conflict by helping construct more durable shelters and distributing critical supplies.
In Mozambique and Somalia, communities received training and materials to build transitional shelters, strengthening resilience in regions experiencing long-term displacement.
When disaster strikes, Rotary is right there beside us – helping secure local contacts, organise logistics, and reach communities who might otherwise be left without emergency shelter.
These efforts highlight the importance of local partnerships, where Rotary members provide contextual knowledge, logistics support, and community connections.
Rotary’s Role in the Response Cycle
Rotary members played a critical role across every phase of the ShelterBox Response Cycle, from preparedness to project closure.
The six stages include preparedness, initiation, information gathering, design, implementation, and review. Rotary clubs contributed at each stage, offering expertise in logistics, assessments, and community engagement.
In the Philippines, Rotary networks enabled rapid scaling of aid distribution following multiple disasters, including typhoons and earthquakes. Local collaboration ensured that shelter items stored in-country could be deployed quickly and effectively.
Our ability to act quickly together in the Philippines is in part from our continued local collaboration, even when there are no disasters.
This proactive approach, including preparedness training and pre-positioned aid, significantly improved response times.
Case Study: Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa became one of the most powerful storms of 2025, devastating communities across Jamaica. Entire neighborhoods were destroyed, leaving families without shelter or basic necessities.
ShelterBox worked alongside Rotary and local partners to support up to 10,000 people with emergency shelter kits, blankets, solar lights, and water carriers.
Rotary members played a hands-on role in every stage of the response, from early coordination to aid distribution.
Each relief package was delivered with dignity to families who had lost everything.
Pre-positioned supplies in Barbados enabled faster deployment, demonstrating the effectiveness of preparedness strategies.
Case Study: Philippines Multi-Disaster Response
In September 2025, the Philippines faced a series of devastating typhoons followed by a major earthquake. Thousands of homes were destroyed, particularly in Cebu and Masbate.
ShelterBox and Rotary collaborated to deliver shelter repair kits, tarpaulins, solar lights, and cash assistance. Community training programs helped families rebuild safer, stronger homes.
Rotary members supported logistics, assessments, and distributions, ensuring aid reached those most in need efficiently.
Innovation in Shelter: The Role of Tarpaulins
ShelterBox continues to evolve its approach to emergency shelter. One key innovation is the use of durable tarpaulins, which can serve as temporary roofs, walls, or full shelter structures.
These materials are adaptable across different climates and contexts, from Sahelian tents in Burkina Faso to rapid repairs in hurricane-affected regions.
Their versatility allows communities to rebuild quickly while transitioning toward more permanent housing solutions.
Preparedness and Pre-Positioning Aid
A cornerstone of ShelterBox’s effectiveness is its global network of pre-positioned aid hubs. Warehouses in locations such as the Philippines, UAE, Ghana, and Panama allow for rapid deployment when disasters occur.
This strategy reduces response time, lowers costs, and ensures that aid reaches affected communities faster.
Rotary’s involvement in preparedness training further strengthens local capacity, enabling communities to respond more effectively when disasters strike.
Women and Girls at the Center of Response
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by crises, making it essential to design aid with their needs in mind.
ShelterBox projects include features such as lockable shelters, menstrual hygiene kits, and safer cooking solutions. These interventions improve safety, dignity, and long-term recovery outcomes.
In Somalia and Chad, programs specifically prioritize female-headed households and involve women in leadership roles within communities.
A Partnership Driving Global Impact
Throughout 2025, more than 150 Rotary members directly contributed to ShelterBox projects, supporting over 71,000 people through six major collaborations.
The partnership continues to expand, with ongoing discussions in multiple countries and growing engagement from Rotary clubs worldwide.
Together, we make a difference. Every contribution, every connection, and every moment of collaboration helps deliver shelter and support to people who need it most.
As global challenges intensify, the ShelterBox and Rotary partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration, preparedness, and community-driven action in delivering meaningful humanitarian impact.
ShelterBox Trust is Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief. ShelterBox and the ShelterBox Canada affiliate are registered charities, independent of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. ShelterBox Trust’s charitable number is 1096479. ShelterBox Canada’s charitable number is 846283208 RR0001. ShelterBox USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and incorporated in the state of Florida. EIN 20-047 1604.
