Eco Dome home

When earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other horrific disasters strike, architects and designers play important roles in the recovery process. From constructing new homes to designing essential medical clinics and schools, volunteers help rebuild devastated communities. While dozens of organizations do wonderful work in relieving human suffering, the non-profit agencies listed here are remarkable for their ability to provide desperately needed construction materials and technical skills.

1. Domes for the World Foundation

Monolithic dome homes on Java island in Indonesia. Photo © Dimas Ardian/Getty ImagesDomes for the World provides training, tools, and methods for constructing economical, eco-friendly, storm-resistant Monolithic Dome housing for communities in need. A contribution of $1,500 builds a new home for earthquake victims in Indonesia. Other projects help families in Haiti, Mexico, and elsewhere in the world.

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