Dear Friend:
As 2011 comes to an end, it's time to reflect on what we've accomplished -- and, especially to thank you for your support, encouragement and partnership. You make Build Change possible.
Here are some examples of our impact on safe housing around the world:
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| Government | |
"Build Change is among the best organizations that we have worked with, especially when it comes to education," says Charles Hygin Raymond, a director at Haiti's Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communication (MTPTC), as quoted in Businessweek's 11/23/11 article.
Build Change has trained 57 MTPTC engineers in Haiti, who are now training builders and overseeing construction. Help us train more government and private sector engineers in earthquake- and hurricane-resistant building methods.
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| NGO | |
"We found the Build Change training courses to be extremely useful and already are seeing positive results reflected in the increased attention to quality control by bosses in our recent construction work. Cordaid is looking to continue its partnership with Build Change in the months ahead." Henk Meijerink, Shelter Program Manager, Cordaid Haiti.
Build Cha nge has worked in partnership with over 20 large NGOs and agencies in Haiti, so far training 2,664 homeowners, 128 engineers and 1,402 builders in safe construction methods. With your support, we will provide critical capacity building to another 2,400 builders, 200 engineers and 3,000 homeowners in 2012.
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| Homeowner | |
"I have decided that I would build my own earthquake resistance house, as I'm aware of just how important it is to do so. I've already witnessed several major earthquakes hit the area and cause major destruction. Thanks to Build Change now I am in the process of making it come true," says Agung, a new homeowner whose parents lost their house in the 2009 earthquake in West Sumatra. 
Build Change is providing hands-on technical assistance to over 600 homeowners in Indonesia. Help us expand this program and continue to provide world-class training for future construction professionals in Indonesia.
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Blockmaker
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"It's a great experience for me to see that I too can make good blocks. It's not just the big manufacturers that can, but the small ones too. We just have to follow the good practices that Build Change taught us, such as using the right proportion mix, keeping the blocks wet and in the shade, etc. and we'll all be making better blocks," said Fred Elicart, Owner, Speedy's Block.
Build Change piloted work with 10 block manufacturers in 2011. With your help, we'll work with another 50 block makers in 2012, to produce better building materials and more jobs for Haitians.
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Donor
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"This investment in Build Change aligns with the Caterpillar Foundation's focus on sustainable humanity. Build Change's teacher training initiative is creating a sustainable pipeline of builders who will not inherit the unsafe building techniques of the prior generation. With the help of Build Change, the next time a disaster strikes, lives will be saved. Caterpillar is proud to be a part of this innovative program." Jim Baumgartner, Director of Corporate Public Affairs, Caterpillar.
 Build Change has trained over 1,700 students and over 100 teachers in earthquake-resistant design and construction methods. With current Caterpillar support, we will be training another 150 teachers who, in turn, will be training over 1,300 students under our guidance. With your support, we can expand this program beyond West Sumatra.
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Give the Gift of Life!
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Build Change needs your support to continue to assist homeowners, builders, and governments build safe havens for their families. In 2012, we also hope to move into a fourth country - before disaster strikes.
Please join our efforts. Give the gift of life today!
Happiest of Holidays,
Elizabeth Hausler Strand
Founder and CEO
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| About Build Change | |
Build Change is a 501(c)3 non-profit social enterprise incorporated in the State of California on September 2, 2004. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
DONATE ON-LINE
Through our site on Universal Giving. Use your credit card or Paypal account. Note that a service fee is charged by Paypal.
DONATE BY MAIL
Send your check, payable to Build Change, c/o:
Build Change
1416 Larimer St.
Suite 301
Denver, CO 80202
USA
ABOUT BUILD CHANGE
Founded in 2004, Build Change is an international non-profit social enterprise that designs earthquake-resistant houses in developing countries and trains builders, homeowners, engineers, and government officials to build them.
The organization works in partnership with the public and private sector to leave in place lasting change in construction practice after earthquakes.
Since its founding, Build Change has improved the design of over 18,000 houses and trained over 12,000 people in the fundamentals of earthquake-resistant construction for single-family homes, including builders, technical high school students and teachers in Indonesia, China and Haiti.
Today, over 70,000 people worldwide are living in safer houses because of Build Change's work.
To learn more, visit
www.buildchange.org
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