When earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other horrific disasters strike, architects and designers play important roles in the recovery process. From constructing new homes to designing essential medical clinics and schools, volunteers help rebuild devastated communities. While dozens of organizations do wonderful work in relieving human suffering, the non-profit agencies listed here are remarkable for their ability to provide desperately needed construction materials and technical skills.
1. Domes for the World Foundation
Monolithic dome homes on Java island in Indonesia. Photo © Dimas Ardian/Getty Images
Domes for the World provides training, tools, and methods for constructing economical, eco-friendly, storm-resistant Monolithic Dome housing for communities in need. A contribution of $1,500 builds a new home for earthquake victims in Indonesia. Other projects help families in Haiti, Mexico, and elsewhere in the world.
2. Architecture for Humanity
Founded in 1999, Architecture for Humanity assists in constructing emergency shelters and rebuilding communities after natural disasters and war. The non-profit organization holds design competitions and workshops to encourage economical, sustainable reconstruction and to promote humanitarian and social design. Partnering with other relief organizations, Architecture for Humanity provides financial aid, construction materials, and pro-bono architectural services.3. Architects Without Borders
Architects Without Borders is a not-for-profit, volunteer humanitarian relief organization that brings technical assistance and strategic planning to communities in crisis. The emphasis is on sustainable development practices, strategic economic planning, and visionary design that builds local self-reliance and self-sufficiency. Volunteer architects and designers network via the organization's Web site and discussion forum.4. Mercy Corps
Although not specifically focused on construction, Mercy Corps deserves very special notice because of its outstanding efficiency. More than 91% of the agency's resources go directly to programs that help those in need. Working with local organizations, Mercy Corps provides a wide range of assistance, including agriculture, economic development, health, housing, and infrastructure.5. Relief International
In addition to constructing shelters for people in need, Relief International offers a variety of services for communities in crisis. RI's programs include health, education, agriculture, and food. The primary mission of this non-profit organization is to bridge emergency relief and long term development.6. Shelter For Life International
Shelter For Life (SFL) is a Christian relief organization that helps people in crisis rebuild after disasters. SFL specializes in providing sustainable housing for displaced persons, refugees, migrants, and disaster victims. The non-profit organization also helps build infrastructure projects such as schools, clinics, roads, bridges, and water supply systems.7. Habitat for Humanity International
Working in 100 countries, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian organization that helps people in need build simple, affordable houses. The new homes are built by the homeowners and volunteers under trained supervision.Rebuilding After Disaster
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