I was wondering if anyone out there has thought of going down to Haiti and helping out with the relief effort? Im assuming there is not much for us to do professionally down there yet...but in the upcoming months as the rebuilding begins Im guessing there will be a need for designers to help out. Has anyone had any thoughts about this? Have any firms expressed interest in getting involved? Does anyone know any organizations that one might contact if they were interested in volunteering?
I was also thinking about this yesterday and stumbled on this website. They have opportunities for firms and individuals to volunteer to work remotely on projects or on site with a 6 month commitment.
I would think that after the rescue window that there would be opportunities to help immediately. They were talking on NPR this morning about the dangers of land/mudslides due to lack of significant vegetation on the hillsides as rescue efforts continue. Right away, that issue seems to call to our profession for some solution and guidance of BMPs to prevent or even lessen the effects of the mudslides.
In addition we could share knowledge of Green Building by for example, offering immediate guidance and visioning for recycling of destroyed building materials for the future rebuilding of the City/Country.
I haven't had the time to dig super deep with looking for opportunities/organizations to help...but this might be a good starting point.
I am a graduating Senior in Architectural Technology (B.S.) at Ranken Technical College and am looking to go to Haiti to rebuild. Any firms out there gearing up?
Thanks Stephanie, I also found these organizations: Engineers Without Borders and Habitat for Humanity International
Neither seem to have anything organized yet, mostly just asking for donations, but I have a feeling in the upcoming weeks they will be putting together some programs in Haiti. I have commitments up until April, but hoping after that to be able to get involved with the rebuild.
Hi Kevin, I have thought about it for the future. I am a lay member of a Catholic Order with a hospital and staff working in Port au-Prince. I am waiting to go down at some time later. While there I would like to bring up the subject of restoration with my order and perhaps Haitian officials. Let's get this thing going. This is an opportunity for our profession to shine.
Stephanie has what I think is the best established org to reach out to. Cameron Sinclair, the founder of Arch. for Humanity have been specializing in constructed relief efforts for many years.
While many of their projects have be architecturally based, he is planning on broadening into landscape for 2010.