In Haiti we are planting a small seed that can grow and shelter the world. You want low-carbon building? We've got it right here.

EBNet is finalizing plans to build a model house in the international BBBC competition for new housing ideas sponsored by the Haitian government. This house will be absolutely unique amongst the other expo houses in that it will be built by Haitians using Haitian materials. The others are highly dependent on expensive imported materials, putting them out of reach by most Haitian people -- we thought the idea was to provide a model that can be replicated easily, quickly and affordably for the greatest number of people.

While our house will be made in Haiti by Haitians, the basic idea can be used in Peru by Peruvians, Szechuan by Chinese or Kenya by Kenyans. We draw on 10,000 years of building experience jazzed up with a touch of modern technology and knowledge. Local people building safe, healthy, affordable homes with local materials. You can't get lower carbon than that!

It's a group effort -- we need your help. $10,000 down, $65,000 to go!

We have our team ready to build, and we need the funding to make it happen. Our current campaign goal is $75,000, half of which is for documenting the process on film in order to spread the word about how it can be done. We can build one home to show the Haitian government and people, but we can teach millions how to build their homes anywhere.

Please help us out with your contribution today.

The backstory...

Following natural disasters like the earthquake that devastated Haiti, the world rushes in with ideas and technologies born and suited to here, but complete misfits over there.  Instant houses and prefab kits of wood and steel can look really appealing in a brochure, but over and over again find no takers when delivered.  Even desperate people reject shelter that's ill-suited to their own culture and climate.  A hungry man doesn't so much need a fish as a fishing pole, and though that ancient folk wisdom gets endlessly repeated, we keep sending fish.

Haiti has a lot of things like concrete rubble, bamboo and plastic lying around.  That might look like trash to some, but in these materials we can see beautiful new buildings- safe, healthy buildings built by the local community. We see new businesses processing rubble, making blocks, growing and milling bamboo, gathering and re-using plastic: that is, learning to fish.  Working with just a few very simple tools and machines, and in collaboration with Save the Children, Architecture for Humanity, Kleiwerks, Builders without Borders, and other great NGO's, EBNet will begin construction early in 2011 on earthquake-safe, healthy homes and schools in several locations.

Everything we have done at EBNet over the past 15 years has led up to this moment- and will benefit better building not just in Haiti, but everywhere.  Like never before in history, we have the knowledge and means to build good shelter with whatever is at hand, be it straw, clay, plastic or concrete rubble.  We also have the means to videotape the process and disseminate good ideas like never before.  Your support puts trained experts and homes on the ground in Haiti, where a good idea can sprout and spread around the world.

Your donation is tax-deductible, and your support is priceless.  Please help today. Follow us on Twitter (@EBNetwork)

With best wishes and gratitude,