When a societal crisis crippled a nation, Americans jumped in to offer assistance.
Presidents, church leaders, NBA players, celebrities and non-profit organizations chipped in to offer the people of Haiti a glimpse of hope. Similarly, the SMU community recognized its moral obligation to give back, so they charted SMU’s Heart Beats for Haiti and raised over $20,000.
But, no matter how much has already been contributed, it’s simply not enough. The aftermath of an earthquake that took over 200,000 lives and caused irrevocable damage, warrants constant attention. As a result, Architecture for Humanity, a non-profit organization, found a creative way to raise money for Haiti.
The organization decided to premiere Monterey Media’s inspiring new feature documentary, “One Peace at a Time,” on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Studio Movie Grill on North Central Expressway. Tickets will be sold for $10 and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Architecture for Humanity’s long-term reconstruction efforts in Haiti.
Architecture for Humanity is an all-volunteer group of design professionals founded in 1999. The non-profit organization promotes architectural and design solutions to global, social and societal crises. It believes that innovative, sustainable and collaborative design can make a difference in disadvantaged communities.
Architecture for Humanity is also working specifically with an orphanage in Port-au-Prince to design new living quarters. The organization decided to host the movie premiere in addition to the overall relief efforts, because they understand Haiti is in a critical situation and desperately needs assistance.
“We hope to raise awareness and possibly educate the audience on the challenges that we [as a human race] face around the globe,” co-founder of Architecture for Humanity, Stephen Lohr said. “Ultimately, we hope to inspire those in our community to help in any way they can.”
Directed by Turk Pipkin, “One Peace at a Time” seeks to find the answer to one basic question: Can we provide basic rights—water, nutrition, education, healthcare and a sustainable and peaceful environment—to every child on earth?
The movie has already been shown in various cities and upcoming screenings will take place in Dhaka, Auckland, London, Dallas, Houston, Portland and New Haven.
The non-profit organization hopes for an impressive turnout from the Dallas area at the premiere and encourages the SMU community to attend.
“We hope that those in the administration and the student body that want to see the film and want to help with the rebuilding effort join us for the screening,” Lohr said.
Additionally, the non-profit organization encourages anyone (even those without a design background) to join its goal of making a difference.
The co-founder believes working for Architecture for Humanity is a rewarding experience because it provides the opportunity to initiate positive changes.
“Educating the people of Haiti in good building techniques for earthquake regions; helping to design houses, schools and hospitals that respond to the needs of the local people; and doing all of it through Architecture for Humanity’s Open Architecture Network is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways that I can give back to those in need,” Lohr said.
