SHELTER stands for Society for Health Education Leadership Training Extension Research. SHELTER International is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that was created to fill the need for a safe and sustainable space for widows in rural Andhra Pradesh, India.

It is the mission, duty and purpose of SHELTER International to protect and empower marginalized widows and abandoned women in rural India.  SHELTER aims to achieve this goal through education, advocacy, and by providing safe and secure employment for these at-risk women that benefits the surrounding communities. In addition to promoting financial shelter for widows, SHELTER provides a safe emotional space for widows to connect with one another and learn valuable skills.

The Organization also seeks to both raise awareness, both at home and abroad, around the issues facing widows and abandoned women in rural India. To raise awareness, SHELTER International will provide information to the public on the discrimination and other social issues facing these women through its website and through fundraising events aiming to both spread awareness and raise funds for its programs in Andhra Pradesh, India.