Disaster relief housing projects for the homeless Haitians

The 7-magnitude Haitian quake subsided eventually, but not before it had claimed 200,000 lives and had rendered 600,000 people homeless. Those who had survived the horrible ramifications of the cataclysmic quake are now seriously craving for some relief structures that they can label as homes; something that is better than the makeshift shelters they are forced to dwell in; something that are as livable as your abodes. Anyhow, it appears a distant dream as of now, especially if we take the existing living conditions (brief info after the jump) into consideration.

haitian relief

Current housing conditions in Haiti:

The tear-jerking video reveals the pitiful housing conditions in Haiti. Well, the devastation, casualties, and desperation of survivors comes as no surprise at all.

Now three months after Haiti earthquake, the housing in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas is still elusive. Tarps, tents or simply bed sheets are what the victims have fetched this far. With the advent of rainy season, a second major crisis is lurking in hidden spatial dimensions (deadly floods) – all set to sack whatever improvement relief-workers have made. Haitians neither have funds nor a government that could ensure a corruption-free allocation. Moreover, since a few elite families are the major land-owners, they'll be demanding – sooner or later – evacuation of their properties that is being used for refuge.

Proposed housing projects for the quake-hit areas:

earthquake damage in jacmel

ORE (Organization for the Rehabilitation of Environment), LHHA (Little Haiti Housing Association), United Haitians Association of SW Florida, Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition, Operation Green Leaves, Project Haiti - University of Florida, United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Healing Hands for Haiti, and USAID/Haiti are some of the projects or organizations that are doing their level best to restore housing conditions in Haiti.

Complementary to their efforts is the Haitian government's appeal that asks refugees to return to homes that engineers have deemed safe. Special aid groups will work to improve existing camps for those having no place to go. More than 120,000 people a week are receiving emergency shelter materials, thanks to the American Red Cross.

Some recommended housing concepts:

For the disaster-torn area, we suggest some housing concepts that could expedite the relief efforts. The concepts, if realized, will help the victims of the earthquake in a speedy way. Hope you'll appreciate and help these shelters to go beyond the concept stage through your approval:

• Green Horizon Prefab

green horizon prefab shelter

The Green Horizon Prefab is made from recycled materials. The eco-house features solar panels and greywater recycling. The perfectly shippable prefab could be carted to its destination via truck, or in a shipping container.

• Core House

core house2 mnkrs 24429

Andrés Duany, a renowned Miami architect and planner has devised a stripped-down, bunkhouse-like structure made of near indestructible, space-age materials that can withstand earthquakes and hurricanes. Dubbed the Core House, this light, expandable temporary dwelling accommodates eight people. The prefabricated house is made using composite material that is fireproof, waterproof and mold-proof. Duany believes that the rectangular houses could be shipped to Haiti in a package less than two-feet thick and could be erected with the help of local laborers in a matter of few hours.

• The buBble House

the bubble house

Made from a lightweight plastic skin that is put on over an aluminum frame, the bubBle House makes use of clothing, fabrics, grass or other materials to create insulation. Hookups are there for water and utilities. The minimalist prototype can be easily manufactured and deployed.