Disaster Response

About the Program


The Disaster Assistance Program supports a nation-wide network of architects who help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Resources for Responders

AIA Responds to Hurricane Sandy

Teams of trained architects are volunteering to provide building safety assessments and to help disaster victims safely return to their homes.

Listen to the radio ad sponsored by AIA Queens

 

Register for the AIA-NJ Disaster Assistance Training Seminar

On Saturday, December 8, AIA-NJ will host an all day seminar on the role of the architect in disaster preparedness. Register early, seating is limited.

Request Design Services - Hurricane Sandy Victims

If your home, business, or community is in need of rebuilding, Architecture for Humanity may be able to help. Fill out this web form to report damages. Architecture for Humanity will track the areas of greatest need, but please note they are not able to assist in all situations.

 

How You Can Help

If you are not already trained to provide disaster response services, the best way to help today is to make a charitable contribution to our partners at Architecture for Humanity or other organization of your choice.

If you would like to provide disaster response services in the future, please contact the AIA Disaster Assistance Program.

The iconic “Princess Cottage” in Union Beach, NJ, built in 1855, barely remains standing after being ravaged by Hurricane Sandy-related flooding. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
A Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, living room is filled with sand washed in by Hurricane Sandy. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
A sign posted in the front window of a restaurant in Long Beach, NY, shows residents’ determination to rebuild following Hurricane Sandy. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Coast Guard pumping operations inside the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (formerly called the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel) in New York City. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jaclyn Young)
Destruction in the Breezy Point neighborhood of Queens, NY. (DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley.)
Marines and sailors from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit step off a landing craft onto the shore of Breezy Point, Queens, NY, as part of recovery operations following Hurricane Sandy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo.)
Residents of Long Beach Island, NJ, show their thanks for first responders who mobilized following Hurricane Sandy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht)
The U.S. Marine Corps helped pump out basements in public housing units in Far Rockaway, NY, after Hurricane Sandy. (DOD photo by EJ Hersom)
Surveying the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in Westerly, RI. (Photo courtesy of RI Architects & Engineers Emergency Response Task Force 7)
Post Hurricane Sandy damage assessment in Westerly, RI. (Photo courtesy AIA Rhode Island/AEERTF)
Post Hurricane Sandy damage assessment in Westerly, RI. (Photo courtesy AIA Rhode Island/AEERTF)
Post Hurricane Sandy damage assessment in Westerly, RI. (Photo courtesy AIA Rhode Island/AEERTF)
Post Hurricane Sandy damage assessment in Westerly, RI. (Photo courtesy AIA Rhode Island/AEERTF)
Aerial views during an Army search and rescue mission show damage from Hurricane Sandy to the New Jersey coast, Oct. 30, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Aerial views during an Army search and rescue mission show damage from Hurricane Sandy to the New Jersey coast. (U.S. Air Force photo)
A Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Cape Cod, Mass., observes property damage along the New Jersey coast caused by Hurricane Sandy. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Post Hurricane Sandy damage assessment in Westerly, RI. (Photo courtesy AIA Rhode Island/AEERTF)
Post Hurricane Sandy damage assessment in Westerly, RI. (Photo courtesy AIA Rhode Island/AEERTF)
Post Hurricane Sandy damage assessment in Westerly, RI. (Photo courtesy AIA Rhode Island/AEERTF)

Comments

Dear Jeff,

Greetings and I hope this finds you well. I am writing to you to let you know how we are following with great empathy the terrible plight of the residents of the east coast of the USA in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, particularly Rhode Island.

The instant availability of news and images makes us all truly closer but also humbler. While there are plenty of man-made disasters and distress in the world, our Gaia, our Mother Earth, also occasionally shrugs its shoulders as if to remind us of our human fragility and its ultimate power over us. Therefore unwillingly, in terms of my Presidency I have been reminded of her might through the volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunami, floods and this time hurricane.

Whilst I am aware that there is not much in practical terms to be done on this end to help, we felt it important to convey our sincere sympathy at the destruction and tragic losses incurred.

No doubt that the reconstruction that lies ahead will be a daunting task, but I am sure the communities concerned will face this with customary fortitude, undeterred by the certain length of time before they can be fully back on their feet.

Best wishes,
Selma Harrington
President, Architects' Council of Europe

 

Dear Fellow Staten Islanders,

It is the fervent hope and trust of The Staten Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) that you are all safe and well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.

Like most New Yorkers, AIA members have been responding to the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy by assisting City agencies with rapid assessment of the storm damage. We at the AIA have seen firsthand the physical results of this destructive weather on Staten Island and beyond. In the interest of allowing all of us in the Staten Island community to continue to focus resources and attention to relief and recovery efforts, the Spaghetti Marshmallow Building Competition has been postponed until Spring 2013. More specific details will be provided in the near future. Meanwhile, AIA Staten Island has redirected all physical and monetary resources associated with the Spaghetti-Marshmallow contest to the disaster relief effort.

We have your contact information and will keep you updated on the contest developments. We encourage you to continue to develop and refine your projects and invite everyone to post your work on the Facebook page. Check our website for details and information.

If you had already picked up your food for donations, St. Edwards food pantry is currently accepting donations, call 718-984-1625 to make arrangements.

On behalf of the AIA, I wish all Staten Islanders good fortune through this hardship as we work together to re-build Staten Island.

Respectfully,
Jeffrey Geary, AIA
Vice-President/President Elect, AIA Staten Island

 

Dear Members of AIA-NJ,

As President of The New Jersey Society of Architects a Chapter and Region of the American Institute of Architects, AIA-NJ, I would like to offer assistance to our members who have had losses due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. In the past AIA-NJ has helped support victims of Hurricane Katrina, and other natural disasters. Now is the time for us to help our own neighbors and colleagues.

We understand during this challenging time that some members may not be able to receive this message because of loss of their office or home but we hope they may still be connected on their personal devices. If you know of any member architects who have been affected, kindly reach out and encourage them to contact Kelly Biddle at our AIANJ offices at 609-393-5690.

If you are up and running and can offer assistance or some space for one of our members to use during the recovery period kindly call in to let us know. Kelly at the AIA-NJ offices will be keeping a list to connect with those in need. If you are on Facebook with fellow architects help us spread the word.

Personally my home is without electric, and my office just got phone and email back today. My Blackberry has become my closest asset. I have heard this from many architects I have talked with this week. This is the time for NJ architects to come together to support and help our fellow members.

Very truly yours,
Laurence E. Parisi, AIA
President, AIA-NJ

 

Dear President,

The terrible Hurricane that recently hit the east coast of the U.S. was another example that natural disasters are uncontrollable. There is no way to stop their happening; however, the immediate humanitarian mobilisation that followed this catastrophe is the proof that solidarity is our strength.

The community of architects is deeply moved by the human catastrophe and the destruction that has hit your country. For this reason, we express to you our most sincere sympathy on behalf of the entire International Union of Architects.

We know that national solidarity in your country is exemplary. Nonetheless, if there is any specific assistance that the UIA may provide, please do not hesitate to inform us directly of that need, so that the UIA officials can take the necessary measures and disseminate the information to all the national member sections.

With my very best regards,
Albert Dubler
President, UIA

 

Dear Mr. Jeff Potter, FAIA, President of AIA,

I understand a big hurricane hit the west coast and caused serious damage. I send an expression of sympathy to all affected people.

We, JIA members and Japanese professionals of architecture, will do anything for the affected areas.

Sincerely,
Yoshihiko Sano
International associate AIA,
Chair, International Committee of JIA (from November 15th, 2012) President, Yasui Architects & Engineers, Inc.

 

Dear Jeff,

Hurricane Sandy has obviously taken its toll on the Eastern sea board of the USA. Yet another disaster to add to 2012. If there is anything that I can do personally please let me know. I am sure that UIA member sections and their individual members will help if they can. I hope that the clean up can happen quickly and that electricity and water are back on everywhere very soon. You take care.

Best wishes and kindest regards,
Louise Cox AM
UIA Immediate Past President
Chair of the Habitat Professionals Forum and President of Docomomo Australia
    

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