As we all know, last week was a tragic one for the people of Haiti, doubtless the most devastating they have ever faced. And we have looked on from afar with a sense of true sadness, and a driving need to do something, ANYTHING, to help. The outpouring of donations and aid has been enormous. But Haiti was desperately poor before this happened, and once the camera images no longer show up on the evening news to pull our heartstrings, they will likely be that way again. Unless we hand them lifelines to a different future. I’d like to tell you about two of those lifelines and how you can help.
Architecture for Humanity
Although a 7.0 earthquake is not insignificant, there is no doubt that the damage and loss of life would have been much, much lower had even the most basic of building standards been met. Instead, in a country where deforestation and poverty reign, buildings were made out of the cheapest concrete available, with inadequate reinforcement. Sadly, there is no reason to think this won’t be the way things are rebuilt. That is, unless organizations like Architecture for Humanity are able to lend their considerable energy and talent to the issue. To learn more about their plans for assisting Haiti, or to make a donation, please click here.
Stray Dog Designs Haitian Relief Fund
Last week, I received an email from one of my favorite companies, Stray Dog Designs. It said in part…
As you know, we went to Haiti five years ago for the purpose of bringing work to that impoverished nation. There is no better relief from poverty than a chance for gainful employment at a meaningful wage, both of which we were happy to be able to provide.
In the wake of the recent tragic earthquake we, like the rest of the world, await more information and news of our workers and friends in Haiti. We know that there is a high probability that the building where our artisans worked was damaged, thereby taking their place of work away. We pray that was the worst of it,…
We have set up the Stray Dog Designs Haitian Worker Relief Fund. The money we collect will be used to directly help our workers and friends of Stray Dog Designs in Haiti to rebuild their lives, whatever that means -donating blankets or clothing, acquiring medical assistance, rebuilding homes, or maybe help relocating to another area.
Those who donate to our Fund will receive detailed information as to how their money is used. Whatever the need, we wish to continue to help the very people we went to help in the first place. In addition, Stray Dog Designs will match $.50 on every dollar raised up to $10,000.00.
What a wonderful opportunity for the design community to have such a direct impact on the lives of those in Haiti. Please click here to make a donation.
Thank you.
Rachel
