Our Story
Food + Water + Shelter was founded in 2020 by Aaron and April Marvin. Through the adoption of their two sons from Africa—Kamble from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tiko from Malawi—they were given a firsthand look at the incredible challenges faced by children and families throughout the region.
The adoption journey opened their eyes to the overwhelming need for life's most basic necessities: food, clean water, and safe shelter. It also sparked a commitment to make a difference. What began as a personal promise to help care for vulnerable children grew into Food + Water + Shelter, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting sustainable, locally led solutions in Malawi.
One statement has deeply shaped our mission:
"In Africa, they have time but no money. In America, we have money but no time."
Our goal is to bridge that gap by connecting generous supporters with dedicated local leaders who are already serving their communities. We believe lasting change happens when local people are empowered to lead the transformation of their own communities.
Supporting Local Solutions
Food + Water + Shelter exists to provide financial support, accountability, and encouragement to trusted Malawi-based organizations that are meeting critical needs every day.
Warm Heart Ministries
Our primary partner is Warm Heart Ministries, a Malawi-based organization serving vulnerable children and families.
One of their most impactful programs provides infant formula to babies who have lost their mothers and are being cared for by extended family members or guardians. While providing formula meets an immediate need, the vision extends much further. The long-term goal is to help each family become self-sustaining through access to seed, fertilizer, agricultural training, and ultimately safe and secure housing.
Food + Water + Shelter also supports the development of agricultural land that can provide ongoing income for these programs. Produce and livestock from the farm are sold in surrounding communities, creating sustainable revenue that helps fund formula, farming resources, and housing initiatives for families in need.
Sowing Hope School
Food + Water + Shelter also supports education for children living in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi.
Sowing Hope School was founded by John, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who is committed to bringing hope and opportunity through education. Despite tremendous challenges, he and his team have created a place where children can learn, grow, and prepare for a brighter future.
Through monthly support, Food + Water + Shelter helps provide salaries for the school's teachers. These educators are themselves refugees who continue to invest in their community while working to build a better future for the next generation.
Afriana Foundation
Food + Water + Shelter is honored to support the work of the Afriana Foundation, an organization led by Nicole, a compassionate and dedicated woman from the Netherlands who has devoted her life to serving vulnerable children in Malawi.
While her home is officially recognized as an orphanage, it is much more than that—it is a loving family environment where children who have nowhere else to turn can find safety, stability, care, and hope. Nicole and her team work tirelessly to ensure that each child is treated with dignity and given the opportunity to thrive.
The connection between Food + Water + Shelter and the Afriana Foundation is deeply personal. Aaron and April's son, Tiko, lived with Nicole and her team while he was in Malawi awaiting his adoption and journey home. During that time, they experienced firsthand the love, commitment, and exceptional care that Nicole provides to every child entrusted to her care.
Your Impact
When you support Food + Water + Shelter, you help provide:
Infant formula for orphaned and vulnerable babies
Seed and fertilizer for family farming initiatives
Safe housing for families in need
Teacher salaries for refugee children receiving an education
Sustainable agricultural projects that create long-term impact
Most importantly, your support empowers local leaders and organizations who are already making a difference in their communities.
100% of all donations go directly to the work being supported in Malawi.