Safe Shelter

What is the purpose of the "Safe Shelter" project?

In Benin (Segbohoue), Ingrid Wallin Children’s Home protects abandoned children ages 0-5 and builds futures through an international school program. Safe Shelter funds the construction of child-safe facilities and the first year of essential operations so children can grow in a secure, nurturing environment with education pathways from the start.

Segbohoue, Benin | Construction + first-year operations

100

Children Targeted

30

Volunteers Needed

$168K

Costs and Expenses

Construct or renovate safe dormitory and care spaces (sleeping rooms, sanitary blocks, secure perimeter).
Equip the home with essential furnishings and child care materials (beds, mattresses, storage, hygiene kits).
over first-year operating costs: staff stipends, food, basic healthcare, utilities, and transport.
Launch and support the international school pathway (supplies, learning materials, coordination).
Implement safeguarding practices and simple monitoring (monthly reporting on care, costs, and outcomes).

Legal Status

Our accreditation

RefugeRoot is a Canadian non-profit (Corporation No. 1734109-1), incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.

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FAQ

What is RefugeRoot?

RefugeRoot is a mission-driven organization that turns compassion into practical, lasting solutions—protecting vulnerable children and strengthening communities through safe care, education (including music programs), food security, and sustainable livelihood projects led with trusted local partners.

How do you make sure my gifts to RefugeRoot are spent wisely?

We use clear budgets, receipts, and on-the-ground oversight to track every expense. We document results and share updates so you can see the impact. 90% of donations go directly to programs, and 10% supports essential coordination, compliance, and reporting.

How do you know which children need help?

We identify children in need through trusted local partners and careful screening. We work with children’s homes, community leaders, and frontline caregivers who know the most vulnerable situations, then verify needs through basic assessments and, when possible, home or site visits. We prioritize cases where safety, health, nutrition, or access to education is at risk, and we re-check needs regularly to make sure support goes to the right children.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Not yet. We’re currently completing the administrative process with the CRA to obtain registered charity status. Until that approval is granted, we cannot issue official donation receipts, so donations are not tax-deductible in Canada at this time.

Once approved, we’ll clearly announce it on the website and provide official CRA donation receipts for eligible gifts.

Where does my money actually go?

Your donation funds RefugeRoot’s on-the-ground programs—child protection and basic care, education (including music training), food security, and livelihood projects—delivered with trusted local partners. 90% goes directly to program costs, and 10% supports essential coordination, compliance, monitoring, and transparent reporting.

How do you choose locations to start a project ?

We choose locations where the need is highest and where trusted local partners can deliver support safely and effectively. We assess feasibility (access, permissions, capacity), set clear goals and budgets, and prioritize projects that can be sustained and tracked over time.

What percentage of my donation goes towards programs?

90% of your donation goes directly to RefugeRoot’s.

What’s your goal?

Our goal is to protect vulnerable children and help communities break the cycle of poverty by turning compassion into practical, lasting solutions—safe care, education, food security, and sustainable livelihoods led with trusted local partners.

Updates

July 2027 — First impact update

Publish early results: construction, attendance, sessions delivered, progress highlights, and lessons learned to improve the program.

July 2026 — Planned pilot rollout milestone

Launch the pilot learning cycle, focusing on construction and all administrative permits required to build a children’s home and an international school.

February 18, 2026 — Keys of Hope pilot plan published

Safe Shelter pilot plan published
We released the one-page project brief for a 12-month pilot class serving 100 children, with a detailed budget of $160,000 CAD.

Donation QR code now available
The Safe Shelter one-page brief now includes a QR code that takes supporters directly to the donation page for this cause.

What is the purpose of the "Safe Shelter" project?

Segbohoue, Benin | Construction + first-year operations

100