Following natural disasters, conflicts, or other challenges, many people find themselves in need of shelter. The Church supports housing efforts worldwide to help people recover from these difficult situations, and it collaborates with trusted organizations to transition individuals to more permanent housing solutions or to build and furnish new homes or businesses.
Finding Housing after Escaping Conflict
Many people all over the world flee their homes to escape conflict. Without the stability of shelter and basic necessities, their mental health, education, ability to work, and other faculties are severely impacted. At the Minawao Refugee Camp in Cameroon, the Church supported ShelterBox in its efforts to provide essential items, including tents, to displaced individuals arriving at the camp. This support not only offered these individuals a safe place to sleep but also created a home where families could be together and start rebuilding their lives.
Rebuilding after Natural Disasters
After a natural disaster, affected individuals face a long road to recovery, from clearing debris to rebuilding and refurnishing their homes. In February 2024, a massive fire burned through the communities of Quilpué, Villa Alemana, and Viña del Mar in Chile, marking the most destructive fire in Chile in the past decade.
In collaboration with Desafío Levantemos Chile, the Church funded hundreds of gift cards for residents to purchase construction materials and household furnishings. These gift cards provided crucial financial aid, enabling people to start rebuilding their lives.
Finding Home in Temporary Shelter
Kaltoumi and her young children had to flee their home for safety one night with just the clothes on their backs. After safely arriving at the Minawao Refugee Camp, Kaltoumi received a tent for her small family through the support of the Church and ShelterBox. The tent has become their home, and Kaltomi now grows peanuts and vegetables outside the tent to feed her children.
“I love farming,” she says, “because it feeds my family without depending on anyone.” The shelter has given her a chance to start a new life for her family and a place to become more self-reliant.
What Can I Do?
- Assist people in repairing or replacing their roofs.
- Volunteer at a local homeless shelter.
- Donate your old furniture to a family in need.
Learn More About How the Church Supported Housing Needs in 2024
Get Involved through Service
JustServe.org is a great place to find service projects on topics that you are passionate about. Use the search to find housing-related service projects in your area.