Letter to editor: ShelterBox launches urgent fundraising appeal

Dear Editor,  

Nearly one million people displaced by conflict, drought, or flooding in Somalia urgently need shelter and clean water before more heavy rains hit. That’s why at ShelterBox, we’ve launched a crucial Spring fundraising appeal to raise £150,000 to support people in Somalia and around the world with emergency shelter.  

After enduring the worst drought in four decades, southern Somalia was hit hard by severe rains. More rains are coming with the onset of the first wet season of the year, yet people haven’t had chance to recover.   

Tens of thousands of people have made their way to vast displacement sites that encircle the city of Baidoa. Many people have travelled long distances on foot with young children in search of clean water, food, and shelter. For lots of families, it’s not the first time they’ve been uprooted from their homes.  

People arriving at the sites fear being evicted from the land they’ve found refuge on. That’s why, with a local organisation called Juba Foundation, we’re focusing on robust shelters that better protect people from the weather as well as securing land tenure for up to 15 years.

We specialise in emergency shelter. As extreme weather gets worse, hits the same places more often, and last longer, we’re having to change the way we work. More and more people are being displaced and so we’re developing different types of shelters in our responses depending on the needs of affected communities. 

Our fundraising appeal comes at a critical time. Every donation will make a difference, supporting people displaced by disaster in Somalia and around the world. Please visit shelterbox.org/somaliaappeal.  

Kirsty Alexander 

Supporter Engagement Manager 

ShelterBox