Responding to the DRC Refugee Crisis: How Every Shelter is Scaling Up
Published on
Jan 28, 2025
The violent conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has escalated into a regional crisis, displacing millions and pushing thousands across the border into Uganda. Refugees are flooding into transit centers that are operating far beyond capacity—one at 184%, another at 224%. Since January 1, over 230,000 people have been displaced, creating a humanitarian emergency that demands immediate action.
Every Shelter is uniquely positioned to respond to this crisis. With an active presence in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, we’ve built a localized system for addressing urgent shelter needs while empowering refugees to take the lead in building solutions for their communities.
A Proven Track Record
Every Shelter bridges the gap between emergency aid and long-term development by implementing scalable, practical shelter solutions. In 2023, we responded to the earthquake in Turkey by deploying over 30,000 units of lightweight insulated flooring to shelters, supporting two entire camps. Now, we’re ready to apply that same efficiency and innovation to the current crisis in Uganda.
support Shelter Depot
Every Donation will impact our ability to fund the shelter depot efforts as well as train refugees to build and maintain their homes.
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How We’re Responding
We aim to raise $500,000 in the first half of 2025 to expand our existing programs and launch new initiatives tailored to the influx of refugees. These efforts include:
Build Corps: Training refugees to construct and repair shelters, providing immediate solutions while creating sustainable skills and jobs.
Shelter Depot: Expanding our hardware stores into areas receiving new arrivals, giving refugees the agency to address their shelter needs through locally available resources.
Shelter Experts on the Ground: Deploying architects, engineers, and technical staff to address the significant gaps in shelter infrastructure for incoming refugees.
Reception Center Support: Assisting overcrowded centers with resources to manage the immediate needs of arriving families.
Advocacy and Awareness
To shed light on this underreported crisis, Every Shelter is partnering with Rice University’s Baker Institute to host a lecture series on mass displacement, focusing on the DRC. This initiative aims to raise awareness and inspire action within the Houston community and beyond.
How You Can Help
We need your support to provide shelter and hope to refugees fleeing violence in the DRC. Donations will directly impact our ability to scale up and meet the growing need.
Image by Moses Sawasawa.
