Hope under a Roof: Building Safe Shelters

Dear GlobalGiving Community,

Three months ago, No One Down Relief Organization (NODRO) launched the transformative project “Hope under a Roof: Building Safe Shelters”, a vital initiative aimed at providing secure housing and restoring dignity for conflict-affected and displaced families in Ethiopia.

This project is built on the principle that every person deserves a safe place to call home. By constructing durable, low-cost shelters, we are giving vulnerable women, children, and elderly individuals more than walls — we are giving them hope, stability, and a foundation for recovery.

How Our Project Is Progressing So Far

Since its launch in July 2025, the project has made steady progress in shelter construction and community mobilization across Amhara, Afar, and Oromia Regions, where thousands of displaced families continue to struggle without adequate housing. Working closely with local authorities, community leaders, and youth volunteers, NODRO has been able to provide practical, lasting solutions to those most in need.

Achievements from July – October 2025

ü  Constructed 85 family shelters, each accommodating up to six members, using locally available and climate-resilient materials.

ü  Distributed 120 emergency tarpaulins and shelter kits to families awaiting permanent structures.

ü  Trained 60 local youth and artisans in eco-friendly and low-cost building techniques.

ü  Established 3 Community Shelter Committees to oversee construction and ensure inclusivity.

ü  Installed 20 water storage tanks and basic sanitation facilities near shelter clusters.

ü  Partnered with two local construction bureaus to enhance technical support and quality control.

Stories of Hope & Impact

A Mother’s Relief in Amhara:
Selam, a 41-year-old mother of four, said:

“Before this project, we were sleeping under plastic sheets. Now my children can rest safely. This home means everything — safety, warmth, and dignity.”

Youth Building Futures:

In Oromia, trained youth groups are now earning income as community builders, continuing to construct shelters beyond NODRO’s direct support. This approach is creating jobs while accelerating reconstruction.

Green Construction for Sustainability:

In Afar, local builders are using mud bricks and bamboo frames to reduce costs and environmental impact. The result: strong, cool shelters that withstand the region’s heat and wind.

 Challenges We Face

While progress is inspiring, the journey has not been without obstacles:

ü  Material shortages due to rising costs and transport delays.

ü  Limited water access slowed construction in some areas.

ü  Insecurity in a few project sites caused temporary halts.

ü  Funding gaps restricted the number of shelters we could complete.

Despite these challenges, our teams remain committed, adapting designs, sourcing materials locally, and mobilizing community labor to ensure every available resource brings families closer to safety.

What’s Next? (November 2025 – January 2026)

ü  Complete an additional 115 family shelters in Amhara and Afar Regions.

ü  Train 50 more artisans and youth volunteers in shelter construction and repair.

ü  Distribute hygiene kits and bedding materials to 250 vulnerable families.

ü  Establish Women’s Shelter Committees to promote safety and inclusion in reconstruction planning.

ü  Pilot rainwater harvesting systems to improve water availability in shelter communities.

Sustainability and Long-Term Vision

The “Hope under a Roof” initiative is more than a construction project — it’s a movement toward rebuilding lives with dignity. Each shelter represents stability, belonging, and resilience.

Our long-term vision is to create community-led shelter cooperatives that can sustain construction beyond the project’s life cycle, supported by trained local builders and partnerships with regional housing bureaus. By 2030, NODRO aims to provide 5,000 safe homes for displaced families nationwide.

Why This Project Matters

Across Ethiopia, displacement has left thousands without basic shelter. Women and children are often the most at risk, facing exposure, illness, and insecurity. Through this initiative, NODRO is helping restore a fundamental human right — the right to a safe home.

ü  $100 provides roofing materials for one family shelter.

ü  $500 builds a durable, eco-friendly shelter.

ü  $1,000 installs shared water and sanitation facilities.

ü  $5,000 supports a full community block of 10 family shelters.

Every donation brings a family closer to safety and restores hope to those who have lost everything.

Monitoring & Reporting

ü  Quarterly field visits conducted by NODRO regional teams.

ü  Progress reports submitted to GlobalGiving.

ü  Community feedback sessions held after each construction phase.

ü  Post-occupancy surveys measuring family well-being and safety improvements.

 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

ü  200+ shelters built or upgraded.

ü  1,000+ individuals sheltered safely.

ü  60+ local builders trained.

ü  95% shelter occupancy and satisfaction rate.

Together for Safe Homes and Restored Hope

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, partners, and the GlobalGiving community for making this life-changing work possible. Your compassion is building not just shelters — but foundations of hope, safety, and dignity for countless families across Ethiopia.

Together, we are rebuilding lives — one shelter, one family, one community at a time.

With gratitude,
Mrs. Woderyelesh Ashebir Belay
Executive Director
No One Down Relief Organization (NODRO)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
nodeethiopia.org@gmail.com | +251-967-105-147

“A home is more than shelter — it’s the first step toward hope, healing, and a brighter tomorrow.”