The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund just awarded $816,472 to Architecture for Humanity for the Haiti Rebuilding Center to support reconstruction and livelihoods in Port-au-Prince, a town that was catastrophically affected by an earthquake at the beginning of the year. As a result, many large buildings were either severely damaged or destroyed. This fund will not only aid in the rebuilding process, but will benefit thousands of who were suffering since the natural disaster. Additionally, this grant will enable small and growing Haitin businesses to participate in post-earthquake reconstruction and ensure rebuilding incorporates better design and engineering. More information after the break.
Funded jointly by Architecture for Humanity and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, the Rebuilding Center will serve as a one-stop-shop to provide both technical expertise and financial support to Haiti’s construction sector. It should help put more than 5,000 Haitians back to work and benefit the lives of 30,000 people within three years by providing workforce training, consumer education, and professional referrals. The Rebuilding Center will serve as a clearinghouse for reconstruction bids and tender opportunities.
Architecture for Humanity’s Haiti Rebuilding Center is based on a model successfully implemented following Hurricane Katrina in the U.S. and the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia. This grant will be used to increase the capacity of the Haiti Rebuilding Center and expand its reach among Haitians to promote good building practices. This will support smaller Haitian construction firms as they engage in the large-scale reconstruction projects currently underway in Haiti.
The Haiti Rebuilding Center was established in March 2010, drawing on volunteers and funding from Architecture for Humanity’s members and supporters. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund grant will fund a full year of operations for the center, allow it to expand its programs, and attract new donors. Architecture for Humanity intends to create a complementary construction-financing arm to offer a mix of construction and bridge loans to small business owners and entrepreneurs.
About Architecture for Humanity
Architecture for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999 that seeks to build a more sustainable future through the power of professional design. Through a network of building professionals, Architecture for Humanity brings design, construction, and development services to communities in need. For more information: http://architectureforhumanity.org/
About the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded after Haiti’s January 12, 2010 earthquake, when President Barack Obama asked former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to lead a major fundraising effort to assist the Haitian people to “build back better.” The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund initially responded to the catastrophe with millions in humanitarian relief. By the time the Fund was officially formed in May 2010, it transitioned to primarily serving its longer-term mission of sustainable reconstruction efforts designed to promote jobs and economic opportunity, empowering Haiti to chart its own successful future.
To make a donation to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, visit www.ClintonBushHaitiFund.org or text the word “QUAKE” to 20222 to donate $10. A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Message and data rates apply.
