Take the Sheltermakers challenge

It's the fort that counts

THE SHELTERMAKER CHALLENGE

It’s the fort that counts!

All over the world, families are coming up with creative and fun ways to stay entertained while remaining safely at home.

Whether you are a child, parent, restless adult, have fur babies, or a bored teenager, do something constructive and become a #ShelterMaker! 

Work together (or solo) and build the perfect home hideaway, then share it with us on social media!

Father and daughter in a homemade fort

HOW IT WORKS

STEP ONE: Design Your Shelter

Ask yourself some key questions.

  • Do you want to build a fort, construct a perfect tree-house or throw a pile of sofa cushions and get comfy? 
  • Are you thinking inside or outside?
  • Sheets or sofa cushions? 
  • Are your priorities strength and rigidity or comfort and coziness?
  • Where are you going to keep the snacks? 

Give it a bit of thought and then get making!

 

STEP TWO: Build Your Shelter

Here at ShelterBox we say “The best materials are the ones you’ve got available.” So have a look around you – what materials can you use? Also think about the features of your environment and how you can use them – like a wall, a table, or even a broomstick.

Our Operations Pros put together some building basics for you:

Foundation: The floor is probably best as it is flat and stable. Stability is key for building your shelter.

Walls and a roof: These are key for privacy in your new shelter. Chairs, blankets, and large cushions are all great materials to build yours!

Beams: How are you going to hold your shelter up? Broomsticks and chairs add great height.

 

STEP THREE: Take a Photo

We want to see what your finished creation looks like, so share it on social media with the hashtag #ShelterMaker. Don’t forget to tag @ShelterBoxUSA! 

 

STEP FOUR: Nominate more ShelterMakers!

Choose a couple of people and challenge them to make a shelter of their own! Use hashtag #SeeAShelterMakeAShelter to get them motivated. Don’t forget to give them some handy tips if they need it. 

 

STEP FIVE: Make a Donation

Be a ShelterMaker for families around the world and consider making a donation. Families around the world are living in crowded refugee camps and displacement centers. Your support will provide families with a shelter of their very own, helping to protect them from the spread of viruses and disease.

 

Thank you for joining this challenge! We look forward to seeing all of your wonderful creations on Facebook and Instagram!

MAKE A DONATION

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SHELTERMAKERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Caryl - Dominca

“Determination is one when you are desperate, you had to learn. I had to mix concrete. I mixed concrete like I had never mixed before!”

Caryl lost her home to Hurricane Maria. While staying in a ShelterBox tent she rebuilt her home one concrete brick at a time.

Cecilio poses alongside his newly built home

Cecilio - Paraguay

Cecilio’s home was damaged due to flooding in Paraguay.

“I paid close attention during the training to ensure that I could make the appropriate repairs to my home, so it lasts longer and remains stronger the next time the floods comes.”

Cecilio used tools and materials provided by ShelterBox to rebuild his home.

Hadija - Kenya

Hadija Elema has been building shelters since she was 12, expertly securing palm twine around the joins of branches by hand. She was taught the technique by her mother and grandmother and can now erect a full structure in half a day!

ShelterBox materials helped make structures more resilient to weather conditions.

SHELTERMAKERS UNITE!

DON'T FORGET TO TAG US ON SOCIAL MEDIA SO WE CAN INCLUDE YOUR SHELTERS TOO!

COVID-19: A NEW AND DEADLY THREAT

The vital aid items we are providing will help keep people as healthy as possible. Please support vulnerable families today.

Image credit: Muhammed Said/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

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