On Friday, one of the strongest storms ever to hit land left 660,000 Filipinos homeless, with countless more desperately needing basic supplies to survive.
In the wake of catastrophe wrought by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Architecture for Humanity are calling for immediate help as survivors face severe shortages of food, water, shelter and medical supplies.
Both organizations will be aiding local volunteers to help rebuild in the coming days and weeks. Through speaking with local stakeholders and construction professionals, they are working to begin understanding the on-the-ground situation to prioritize rebuilding needs and help affected regions build back better and stronger. Relief and reconstruction, however, cannot happen without your support. Learn how you can send aid to typhoon victims today after the break.
AIA President Mikey Jacob, FAIA, stated the following:
“Architects and AIA members everywhere extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the many people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and elsewhere in the Pacific.
“Through our national Disaster Assistance Committee, the American Institute of Architects has reached out to the International Union of Architects (UIA), Architects Regional Council of Asia (arcasia) and other professional associations in larger regions to offer any support we can to the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP). Additionally, we have been in close contact with our partner Architecture for Humanity, which is in the early stages of its response efforts.
“For the moment, though, as initial relief work is being performed in the aftermath of the storm to stabilize daily life, the most important thing we can do is to contribute to organizations who are actively responding to this crisis. We encourage everyone to make a contribution to relief groups including Architecture For Humanity, or any other organizations you know and trust.”
To make a donation to Architecture For Humanity, please go to http://architectureforhumanity.org, or Text-To-Give 85944; keyword "rebuild" to donate $10.
Additional Ways to Help Fund Relief Efforts:
- The American Red Cross has launched a family tracing service among other aid operations.
- The Philippine Red Cross has mobilized teams on the ground to help with rescue and relief operations.
- World Food Programme (WFP), a United Nations organization, plans to send more than 40 tons of high energy biscuits and work with the Filipino government to help with logistics and emergency communications systems.
- The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has launched a $10 million appeal and sent an emergency team to Manila who have already started to work on the ground.
