Mission and Vision
Until Every Refugee Creates Home
Our mission is to build a localized refuge-aid ecosystem centered around the needs, preferences, and aspirations of refugees.
The Humanitarian Design Firm
There are more humans forcibly displaced today than ever before in history. These are people, families, and communities, in need of good, lasting homes.
The Problem
creative solutions / local often free materials / building techniques
Displaced families need homes. But they lack access to basic tools, training, and support.
120 Million
Forcibly Displaced Around The World
Over 120 million people are forcibly displaced.
These are families and whole communities who have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety. Resettled into settlements and camps designed for far fewer numbers, these millions are underserved, misunderstood, and overlooked.
10–26 Years
Average Time of Displacement
The average duration of a displacement event is 10-26 years.
You read that correctly. Depending on the conflict, region, or community, the average time away from one’s home is no short stay. Entire generations of children are born and live their whole lives in camps and settlements far away from their homelands. With no prospect of return, familes make choices and take risks to settle in host countries afforded little protection or rights.
1 Percent
Refugees Legally Resettled
Less than 1% of refugees will be legally resettled.
The UN has three “durable pathways” for refugees, including repatriation (going home), integration (making their host country home), or resettlement (allowed to become asylees in a Global-North country). Less than 1% of refugees will ever be afforded resettlement. They are stuck.
Our Vision
Until Every Refugee Creates Home
We believe a good home is critical for safety and stability, and at the root of the human displacement crisis is a lack of physical safety a home affords. Every Shelter empowers and teaches refugees to build lasting homes right where the land, for however long they are there.
