Wednesday marks the two-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti. Charlottesville's Building Goodness Foundation continues its efforts to help the country rebuild.
In 2012, the volunteers are working to build a primary school, trade school and at least 50 houses. On Thursday we will have an in depth look at the progress being made by this non-profit.
Building Goodness Press Release
Progress happens slowly in Haiti. That was true before the earthquake—and especially true after. Two years after the earthquake, the country continues to dig out of the rubble.
Charlottesville-based Building Goodness Foundation remains committed to rebuilding safe buildings with Haitian communities. In 2012, BGF volunteers working with Haitian crews will construct a primary school, a trade school and at least 50 houses.
Explains Executive Director Kelly Eplee, "The last time I was in Haiti, I saw a line of dump trucks on the main road through Port-au-Prince being systematically filled by a massive piece of earthmoving equipment. Two years later, they were still removing rubble from the earthquake. While progress is slow, communities continue to make great progress toward rebuilding. Building Goodness Foundation has been fortunate to partner with two NGOs who invest in communities that take a proactive approach to rebuilding. Not only are we dealing with the destruction brought by the earthquake, but we are also creating jobs by building safe homes, community buildings and schools. We are establishing a higher quality standard of living compared to pre-earthquake Haiti."
The Excelsior Technical Institute (trade school) will train Haitian crews throughout the building process then offer teaching space for construction trades. The 50+ homes will be built with a combination of BGF volunteers and Haitian crews. The primary school serves the children of families who participate in the reforestation effort in the mountainous area of L'Acul. The planned work in Haiti requires 200 volunteers.
Building Goodness Foundation is looking for volunteers with all ranges of building skills. Visit www.buildinggoodness.org, email volunteer@buildinggoodness.org or call 434.973.0993 for more information.
Building Goodness Foundation brings together volunteers from every part of the construction industry to design and build structures for communities in need. Together with their partners, they use donations of time, money, materials, and expertise to build clinics, schools, community centers, and specialized housing for those who need them most—both in their own community and around the world.
Non-construction volunteers are a critical part of the team. And, beyond the bricks and mortar of a new structure, BGF volunteers build lasting relationships with the people they are helping—relationships that profoundly improve the lives of all involved.
