Local Relief Agency Bringing Help to Philippines Quake Victims

Santa Barbara Agency Rushes Aid to Philippines Disaster Zone

When a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the Philippines island of Mindanao early Monday morning, killing at least 37 people and triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific, the Noozhawk reported that Santa Barbara-based ShelterBox USA was already preparing its response.

The humanitarian relief organization, headquartered at Innovation Place in Santa Barbara, announced it is mobilizing to support 15,000 people with emergency shelter and essential supplies following the powerful earthquake that struck at 7:37 a.m. local time.

"Having witnessed the aftermath of major typhoons and earthquakes in the Philippines, I know that the loss of a home is often one of the most devastating consequences a family can face," said Kerri Murray, president of ShelterBox USA, according to the Noozhawk.

Drawing on Deep Local Connections

ShelterBox's rapid response capability stems from its permanent presence in the Philippines and strategic partnerships built over more than two decades of disaster relief work. The organization maintains emergency supplies pre-positioned in Cebu and has responded in the Philippines more than 30 times to tropical storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and conflict.

The earthquake, one of the most destructive to hit the Philippines in decades, struck near General Santos City during morning flag ceremonies at schools across Mindanao. The tremors caused buildings to collapse, triggered landslides, and generated tsunami waves up to one meter high along southern coastlines.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.8 and was followed by 138 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.3 to 6.7.

From Corporate Executive to Humanitarian Leader

Murray's path to leading Santa Barbara's most prominent disaster relief organization began during her time at Direct Relief, another local humanitarian nonprofit. After spending 13 years as a pharmaceutical executive at GlaxoSmithKline, she transitioned to humanitarian work in 2009 and joined ShelterBox USA as president in 2015.

Under her leadership, the organization has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, including in 2025, and maintains a perfect 100% rating on Charity Navigator. Since its founding in 2000, ShelterBox has provided emergency shelter and aid to more than three million people across 100 countries.

The organization officially moved its headquarters to Santa Barbara in 2020, embracing what Murray described as a community that "has embraced the global humanitarian efforts of ShelterBox, with hundreds of volunteers, Rotarians, and donors from across the county supporting the lifesaving mission."

Learning from Previous Philippines Responses

ShelterBox's current Philippines response builds on lessons learned from recent disasters in the archipelago nation. In September 2025, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu, killing 68 people and displacing thousands. ShelterBox provided emergency shelter supplies including tarpaulins, shelter repair kits, solar lights, mosquito nets, and blankets to help families improve their immediate living conditions.

The organization's approach has evolved to include cash assistance, enabling families to address specific shelter needs while working closely with local partners like the Rotary Club of Cebu. This flexibility proves crucial in a country that sits on the geologically unstable Pacific Ring of Fire and faces frequent natural disasters.

A Global Mission with Local Impact

For Santa Barbara residents, ShelterBox USA represents the Central Coast's contribution to international humanitarian relief. The organization employs local staff, partners with area Rotary clubs, and has drawn board members from the community who understand both global needs and local philanthropy.

"ShelterBox has worked in the Philippines for many years, and maintains an operational hub and prepositioned emergency shelter supplies in-country, enabling us to respond rapidly when disasters occur," Murray told the Noozhawk.

As aftershocks continue to rock Mindanao and families shelter in damaged homes or evacuation centers, Santa Barbara's humanitarian expertise is once again being deployed to help rebuild lives thousands of miles away. The response demonstrates how local organizations can maintain global reach while staying rooted in the community that supports their mission.