Hi,

A lot of things have been happening, and we hope that a lot more will be happening.

Here is an update of the whole project :)

The initial project was to buy one shelter, for 5 - 8 persons. We are now going for 100, and more.

• UPDATE 13/09:

Looking at the enthusiasm around this campaign, the end date has been moved, to start with, to the 1st October. We'll make our best to order tents as soon as possible (in bulks), but if we gather more funds to buy another 20 later...then let's do it :)

? THE PROJECT ?

• What's the issue?

Migrants are living in the "Jungle" in Calais in really poor conditions.

Canvas sheets and pallets, when they find some, become their "home". It's also extremely dangerous: fire, wind, heavy rain, tough winters...participate in destroying pretty fast any shelter. It creates real health concern and their belongings get wasted pretty fast.

• What could be the solution?

They need a proper refugee camp. We would therefor need really adapted equipment. Instead of second hand camping tents, canvas sheets and pallets, it would be great to bring them actual shelters which fit with UNHCR standards. A refugee camp goes beyond the shelters, obviously, but it starts there.

This way, plenty of health issues and dignity issue could be solved.

• The goal:

Providing before winter, one shelter at a time, better living condition to people living in Calais' "Jungle".

We are now working with specialized entities to figure out the best, and the most, out of our fundraising. It is quite a game changer.

A "naked" (without winterisation and stove) tent would cost 400?. However, no tent is gonna be delivered with the full pack: this is a matter of safety, health and dignity.
Looking at different numbers, we expect the final price to be +50%. TBC

Those new tents can host 5 person at UNHCR standards.

For 12 000?:
With the first model of complete tent (1350? - 8 persons) we could house: 71 persons
With the second model of complete tent (expected around 600? - 5 persons) we could house: 100 persons.

Previous goals (with more expensive model)
Started on 10th August;
First goal reached: 16th August

1350?: A shelter tent for 8 persons, a "burnblock" liquid, a stove and a water tank to provide warm water.

Second goal reached, 5th September:

2700?: 2 shelter tents for 8 persons each, both fully equipped.

Third goal reached, 6th September:

4050?: 3 shelter tents for 8 persons each, both fully equipped.

So our new aim was to reach 12 000?, at least, until we get more information on the final cost.

• What are the requirements?

We need to be able to buy 20 tents to make an order. 20 "naked" (without winterisation and stove) tents cost 8000?.
? Though, no tent will end up in Calais without having the full package. Our (wild) guess, looking at other numbers, is that it costs +50% to get the full package:
Stoves + Winterisation

The tents we are buying need to be at current UNHCR / IRC standards.

• How do we make it come true?

I am coordinating with volunteers from UK, often on the ground, to make it come true.

But most importantly, I will rely on different association and groups such as Salam, l'Auberge des Migrants or Calais Migrant Solidarity, as they are the most experienced on the ground to receive, build and distribute those shelters. More advanced discussion happened already with Salam. Stay tuned.

Each 12 000? could help 100 persons to have access to an adapted, sane and safe shelter with ability to warm up, cook, and get hot water all year round.

• Get your community in the "Jungle" ! - Sponsoring tents
  
  Each donation from one group of 400? and above (the cost of one naked tent) will get a tent named after its city, school, uni...