In case you haven’t noticed, we’re big fans of Architecture for Humanity here at Inhabitat. And Monday-Thursday of next week, I’ll be venturing down to the Gulf Coast to see first-hand just what the humanitarian design organization has been up to as part of their hurricane reconstruction efforts in Biloxi, Mississippi. AFH has a variety of programs in the works to help displaced citizens rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities through a collaboration with architects, designers, and other local entities who understand the intricacies of FEMA guidelines and the area’s new building requirements. Stay tuned for a full post-visit report on their progress. And if you’re interested in volunteering, visit AFH’s website here.
Your link to Archi. for Humanity doesn’t work because it doesn’t have “HTTP://” in front of it. It goes to:
http://inhabitat.com/2007/02/24/my-upcoming-trip-architecture-for-humanity-in-biloxi/www.architectureforhumanity.org
While you’re there, see if you can find good answers to these questions: Where do they dump all the debris? Do they make any effort to salvage and recycle anything?
Paul S-
I found out today that almost all the debris gets incinerated (except for some blocks of concrete which are thrown on top of a huge pile). Nothing is being “recycled,” per se, primarily because of mold/health issues, it seems.
Emily
Thank you for this information. I think I can understand why they would be afraid of mold and septic contamination of many materials. Every old bathroom I’ve remodeled, and most kitchens, have some mold contamination, and that’s in good, well kept homes. Now imagine a whole house submerged for days, then left to rot in the hot humid Gulf atmosphere for weeks and weeks, maybe a dead animal or sewage in there too, oh, the horror, the horror…
How exactly do you apply to become a recipient of a home built by habitate for humanity?