Rebuilding Haiti

Today's organization is a nonprofit design firm that focuses on sustainable building practices. Architects for Humanity has a network of professionals that volunteer their time and knowledge for those who could not afford high priced design work - community groups, aid organizations, housing developers, government agencies, corporate divisions, and foundations. Part of what I like about this organization is that they don't just go in and build whatever they want. They include their clients in the design process and recognize their input as necessary for good design work.

"Design is important to every aspect of our lives. It informs the places in which we live, work, learn, heal and gather. We engage all stakeholders in the design process. We believe our clients are designers in their own right.
Thoughtful, inclusive design creates lasting change in communities by:
• Alleviating poverty and providing access to water, sanitation, power and essential services
• Bringing safe shelter to communities prone to disaster and displaced populations
• Rebuilding community and creating neutral spaces for dialogue in post-conflict areas
• Mitigating the effects of rapid urbanization in unplanned settlements
• Creating spaces to meet the needs of those with disabilities and other at-risk populations
• Reducing the footprint of the built environment and addressing climate change
Design is the ultimate renewable resource. Join us in building safer, more sustainable and more innovative structures—structures that are assets to their communities and an ongoing testament to the ability of people to come together to envision a better future."

Here is a list of the many projects they are working on, in collaboration with other organizations, in Haiti to rebuild. The projects include schools, housing, building guidelines, and professional training.

So I find this organization really awesome, because it is working to rebuild Haiti and create sustainable buildings there. Hopefully you find them equally cool.

Here is the charity navigator rating for Architects for Humanity.