Ethiopia’s Shelter and Non-Food Item (NFI) response is facing a critical crisis, with newly displaced families left unassisted, existing shelter conditions rapidly deteriorating, and the Cluster’s ability to respond is severely compromised. In April 2025, the Emergency Shelter and NFI (ES/NFI) Cluster reached only 0.3% of its 2.2 million target population, reflecting a
near-total gap in life-saving assistance.

Severe gaps in Shelter and NFI response capacity directly impact the health, safety, and dignity of displaced families, particularly those living in collective centers, informal sites, and dispersed settlements. With the response capacity critically limited, immediate action from donors and partners is essential to prevent further deterioration in shelter conditions and to protect displaced families across Ethiopia.

The rainy season is expected to begin within a month, heightening risks for displaced populations living in damaged, overcrowded, or makeshift shelters. Delays in action will further expose vulnerable families to health risks, protection concerns, and repeated displacement as the rainy season begins. Urgent support is needed now.