Haiti

Everyone is looking for ways to help with the devastation left in the aftermath of Haiti's earthquake. I am sure that most of you have heard about the text campaigns through the Red Cross and Yele (Wyclef Jean's organization). As I was looking for different ways to donate, I came across an organization that struck a cord with me. It's called Architecture for Humanity. According to their website,

"Architecture for Humanity is a nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999. We are building a more sustainable future through the power of professional design.

By tapping a network of more than 40,000 professionals willing to lend time and expertise to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, we bring design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed."

As I work in architecture, this seems like the perfect way to help. Much of this devastation wasn't just because of the magnitude of the earthquake but because of the lack of infrastructure in the country. There was a similar earthquake (7.0 on the Richter scale) in San Francisco in 1989, and as devastating as it was, only 63 people died.

Here is a list of other ways you can give (link):

1) Text "HAITI" to "90999" to donate $10 to the Red Cross. Apparently this only works in the US.

2) Text "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 to Yele Haiti -- Wyclef Jean created this foundation to permanently improve the lives of the most impoverished in his home country of Haiti. Check out more on Yele Haiti.

3) Donate to Partners in Health (click here) -- PIH is already on the ground in Haiti and mobilizing their relief efforts.

4) Donate to charity:water (click here)

I hope you can all find a way to donate!