Architecture for Humanity

Architecture for Humanity wields the power of design to build sustainable communities. This nonprofit taps the talent of tens of thousands of professionals on behalf of survivors of natural disasters like Katrina and the December 2004 Tsunami in South Asia and impoverished people in developing nations.

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.  --Architecture for Humanity website

Thoughtful designs can begin to alleviate poverty and insure access to clean water, power, and other 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

You can see Architecture for Humanity's finished projects around the world.

2011 Missouri Tornado: Helping Joplin Survivors

A tornado claimed more than a 100 lives in Missouri on Sunday evening, May 24, 2011.  Some reports estimate 75% of the city of Joplin is destroyed.  Even the hospital was hit.  Rescue workers and volunteers are doing their part in looking for survivors and the beginning the clean up efforts. 

Here are some ways you can help:  

• Missouri's State Emergency Management Agency welcomes your financial contribution or your time. Donate funds or commit to volunteer in the short-term or long-term recovery efforts.
• The Heart of Missouri United Way has opened the Joplin Relief Fund, where 100 percent of all donations will be given to relief efforts in Joplin. Text "JOPLIN" to 864833 to make a $10 donation.
• A Facebook page titled "Joplin, MO Tornado Recovery" has been launched for community members to announce needed relief. 
• And Relief Spark, a nonprofit, has turned their Twitter feed into a constantly refreshing resource of local information, announcing new shelters and calls for supplies. 
• The Salvation Army has deployed efforts in both Joplin, Missouri.  To find out how to get involved, visit the organization's website. 
• Any with medical skills can volunteer with Show-Me Response.
• The Red Cross has launched Safe and Well, a service that helps families reconnect after natural disasters.

First Response Team of America

The First Response Team of America rushed to help after the April tornado disaster in the Southeast. The aftermath of 200 tornadoes across 14 states left many lives in ruin.  The First Response Team vigilantly surveys weather reports so they know where catastrophe has the potential to strike.

Founder Tad Agoglia recently told CNN what his team brings to rescue and relief efforts:

"We have huge lighting systems and rubble cameras for search and rescue. We've got cranes and trucks to remove the debris from the road. We've got the (generators) to power up emergency rooms, nursing homes, shelters. We've got just about every type of cutting tool known to mankind -- plasmas cutters, concrete saws, metal saws, wood saws -- anything that you need to get through an area to get to the people that need help."

One hundred percent of donations go toward the first response efforts.

Shelterbox Helping Japan

ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most.  Right now their focus is on Japan in the wake of the massive 9.1 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear emergency.

ShelterBox provides a tent that comfortably sleeps a family of ten, a means to purify water, tools, blankets, and art supplies for children.

You can find out more or donate by visiting ShelterBox (dot) org.