AIA Disaster ResponseAIA Disaster Response

A Message from AIA President Jeff Potter, FAIA

This past week I've watched with concern the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. The images and stories are sobering. My thoughts and the prayers of AIA members everywhere go out to you, your family, friends, colleagues, and communities who are suffering.

I've spoken to some of you, and, when I could get through, to Component leaders in the affected areas. Members of our national staff have been in contact with your fellow members, and we are coordinating the Institute's response through the member volunteer AIA Disaster Assistance Committee to make sure our efforts complement the relief and disaster initiatives of local, state, and national officials. And we are partnering with Architecture for Humanity to collaboratively plan, with your input, the long-term reconstruction efforts ahead.

Also, in a separate message to all AIA members, I encouraged them to make a donation to the American Red Cross, our Architecture for Humanity's Hurricane Sandy Reconstruction Fund, and the Salvation Army. And, to track our progress moving forward, we've created a Web page for the AIA Disaster Response effort.

We will make sure you have the resources you need to get back on your feet and be better able to lead the healing that will bring back your homes and communities. The goal will be building more resilient communities to minimize the destruction in the future should another disaster strike.

Out of this tragedy, you will be challenged to be a model for the rest of the nation. I have no doubt you are up to it, and you can be sure we will champion your best efforts. Please remember you are not alone. You are part of a great profession and a caring community that is the AIA.

Sincerely,

Jeff Potter, FAIA

President

AIA Rhode Island shared this photo of post Hurricane Sandy Damage Assessment in Westerly, RI. View the slideshow.