Hands collecting clean water — a daily need in many Horn of Africa communities

Minneapolis, Minnesota  ·  Est. 2010  ·  501(c)(3)

Bridging Minnesota and the Horn of Africafor lasting hope.

Humanitarian relief, clean water, and mutual aid — connecting Somali diaspora communities in Minnesota with families facing drought and displacement across the Horn of Africa.

About Us

From the Twin Cities to the Horn.

Open landscape of East Africa
Relief and development work focused on marginalized and displaced communities in the Horn of Africa — rooted in Minnesota’s Somali diaspora.

Since 2010, Horn Of Africa Relief And Development Trust has worked to meet urgent needs — food, nutrition, and clean water — while strengthening the everyday bonds between Minnesota’s Somali community and families back home.

We are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Our work is practical: emergency relief when drought hits, water projects that last beyond a single season, and local fundraising that keeps the Twin Cities engaged.

The Trust operates with a lean structure. Annual revenue has historically remained under the threshold that requires a full Form 990 board disclosure; we still hold ourselves to clear use of funds and open communication with donors.

01

Emergency Relief

Food, nutrition support, and rapid response when drought and displacement strike families across the Horn of Africa.

02

Clean Water

Wells, water access, and sanitation improvements so communities have a reliable source of safe drinking water.

03

Community Development

Longer-term mutual aid with Minnesota’s Somali diaspora — fundraising, culture, and neighbor-to-neighbor solidarity.

Water — essential to relief and daily life

Our Work

Relief that answers drought.
Water that outlasts a season.

Programs focus on emergency food and nutrition, clean water access, and diaspora-led mutual aid in Minnesota.

Support this work

Drought Relief

Emergency food and nutrition support for marginalized and displaced families during prolonged dry seasons in the Horn of Africa.

Water & Sanitation

Community well construction and basic sanitation improvements that reduce the daily burden of fetching unsafe water.

Minnesota Diaspora Initiatives

Local fundraisers and mutual-aid gatherings — car washes, picnics, sports days — that keep the Twin Cities connected to home.

Where we stand

The Trust is rooted in Minneapolis and serves communities across the Horn of Africa. Local events — car washes, picnics, sports fundraisers — keep neighbors here tied to needs there.

People gathering in community solidarity

Leadership

People of the Trust.

Public records list the founder and current president. Institutional mailboxes keep correspondence with the office.

Ali W Guled

Founder / Executive Director

A longtime leader in Minnesota’s Somali community. He has guided diaspora fundraising for drought response in the Horn of Africa. The Trust’s registered address on Cedar Ave South is also his home base of operations.

Hasan Ainab

President

A Minnesota Somali community organizer and special education teacher. He also serves as Board Chair and Treasurer of Midway Star Academy in St. Paul (term through June 2027), bridging education and humanitarian work.

Because annual revenue is under $50,000, the organization files Form 990-N and is not required to publish a full board roster. For additional board contacts, write to [email protected] or [email protected].

Horn of Africa landscape under open sky

Support Us

Donate for relief.
Volunteer here at home.

Gifts fund drought response, water projects, and community fundraising. As a 501(c)(3) public charity, contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

  • Emergency food & nutrition
  • Wells and clean water access
  • Minnesota diaspora fundraisers

EIN 27-1708240  ·  [email protected]

Contact

Write to us.

Reach a named contact where one is assigned, or use the form for general mail.

Directory

  • General Inquiries

    General Contact

    Public questions, volunteer interest, general affairs

    [email protected]
  • Ali W Guled

    Founder / Executive Director

    Official correspondence, NGO and government partners

    [email protected]
  • Hasan Ainab

    President

    Governance, major decisions, external representation

    [email protected]
  • Board

    Board of Directors

    Board communications and collective decisions

    [email protected]
  • Support

    Fundraising & Relief

    Drought relief appeals, fundraising campaigns

    [email protected]
  • Press

    Media Relations

    Interviews and community media requests

    [email protected]

Mail

3844 Cedar Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55407