Shelter and Settlement Services

Shelter is the linchpin of a stable society, restoring hope, dignity and a sense of community belonging. Shelters not only provide physical protection and a healthy living space, but also a sense of ownership and an opportunity to become active stakeholders within a community. Our team has built thousands of homes for those living in refugee camps, refugee families that have recently returned to their home community and families who have been victims of wars and natural disasters.

Each shelter program is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the particular community. The shelter designs, whether temporary or permanent, remain consistent with local architecture, while simultaneously incorporating earthquake safe measures, proper ventilation and lighting. SFL programs utilize materials that are locally available to the community; cutting down on cost and boosting market activity.



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Disaster Risk Reduction

The people paying the heaviest price from disasters are the world’s poorest communities. Through programs that strengthen resilience and ensure better preparedness to withstand the consequences of disasters, our team helps free vulnerable communities from the downward spiral that a succession of disaster creates.

Our experience in disaster risk reduction projects, whether structural or non-structural, have proven that they save lives, protect livelihoods, and save ‘after-the-fact’ donor assistance money. By generating community awareness, facilitating training in risk reduction and disaster-proof construction, building earthquake-resistant housing and rehabilitating roads so they no longer wash out from excessive rains, we have been able to significantly reduce the devastation of natural and man-made disasters.



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Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Services

Whether a natural disaster is brought on by famine, floods, landslides, or earthquakes, or man-made disasters caused by civil strife, war, or epidemics, SFL gives people effective assistance in their time of need and helps them get back on their feet as quickly – and as sustainably – as possible.

In times of disaster, our team works hand-in-hand with governments, faith-based groups, foundations, NGOs, and other institutions to provide holistic and professional technical assistance, training and access to construction materials, food, credit, vocational training and building skills to disadvantaged individuals dependent upon outside help for their basic living needs and survival. SFL always works with communities to address their own needs in their own way.

Learn about our Emergency Relief Fund

Mustafa Omar, CEO

Mustafa Omar
Chief Executive Officer

Mustafa Omar has worked for Shelter For Life International in the field and Headquarters management positions; managing projects, leading new business development, and guiding operations around the world. Mr. Omar was born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan and has worked in post-conflict reconstruction, Disaster Risk Reduction caused by human or natural phenomena, and market-revitalization efforts in Central Asia, East and West Africa, Europe, and Middle East for the past twenty (20) plus years. Mustafa holds graduate degrees in business administration and urban planning and is working on a PhD at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. Topics of research and professional interest include Market Resilience and Social Risk-Management, Influence of Environmental Degradation on Fragile Markets, Impact of Improving Physical Space on Lasting Peace, and the Interaction between Modern Governance and Informal Market Structures.

Gordon Wright
Vice Chairman

Gordon A. Wright is Founder and President of over 40 years with JIMI International and is an Elder at Tulsa Christian Fellowship. Mr. Wright owned and operated a lawn and tree service business for nearly 15 years. Mr. Wright also served with the US Army for three years in the 1960s.Two of Mr. Wright’s years were spent in South Korea as a Brigade Intelligence Sergeant. Mr. Wright has provided mentoring and counseling to spiritual leaders around the world; with specific attention to individuals in Russia, Ukraine and former Soviet Bloc countries. Mr. Wright helped to found and direct East/West Resources International and Global Assistance Partners International. Mr. Wright has served as one of the original founding board of directors for Shelter For Life International. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Gordon grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma.