Shelters for Mexico Disaster Victims

“The truly most singular foundation of human potential is physical health. When human health improves, people live more productive lives, and economic potential increases." Brundtland Report


Introduction

Just as you, we are very concerned about securing the health of the families affected by natural disasters.

We may be in a position to assist the People affected.

These shelter designs are intended to reduce homelessness caused by natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, The enclosed proposal may be of interest for the needs and supply of socially affordable emergency temporary housing were there is land available for these purposes.

Through demonstration of this building system you may realize an opportunity exists to help a transformation from what now appear untenable living conditions of the people.

In Summary, most people wish the homeless to be sheltered quickly in an orderly and healthful manner, with the greatest economy as possible, without disrupting civil society, economies and trade practises. Healthy vital people, housed and fed, possess greater energies to reconstruct their lives.

The first purpose of this proposal is to receive support to carry out this project.

If the contents of this document find merit for consideration or interest, I would like the opportunity to implement them.

Mikael Ballan

Design Consultant - globalclimate [at] yahoo.com



Executive Summary

This Proposal has been prepared to initiate interest to provide shelter in Mexico for reconstruction efforts of the people. This plan introduces a means to enhance the health and viability of homeless people during their period of recovery.

A desire for healthful living accommodations is a prerequisite for both civil security and hygienic living standards many people consider basic for Canadian human welfare. The will and decision needed to transform the conditions of poverty into a pathway for gracious living, needs a New method which can be accelerated with minimal investment.

The conditions of poverty are a subject encompassing a broad spectrum of opinion and action. Construction materials too are a foundation for human development. For these people we have developed shelter designs, which are both modern and yet simple to construct for people unskilled in construction, especially during crisis events.

Our hope is to create an opportunity for these people to have secure weather protection until other more permanent shelter initiatives become available. Shelters designed for periods of a few months to a few years could fulfil a temporary need for healthy living space, until substantial structures are renovated or created over time.

To fully demonstrate the benefits of our plan, local licensed commercial suppliers will be sourced to provide materials and service maintenance of water, sewerage and heating. Our secondary task will be to prove the usefulness of these methods as a viable option for homeless care, economically and in a sustainable fashion were a natural disaster to occur.

Our basic plan is as follows: Upon authorisation to proceed, we will within 48– 96 hours have materials on site and a typical building assembled to demonstrate the shelter system. In the following days, those requiring housing will participate in assembling a shelter for themselves within a group setting.

Key Points

1. Labour to erect shelters is supplied by occupant.

2. Simple construction and assembly skills taught very quickly.

3. Tests both Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Measures plans

4. Extends our knowledge, experience and vision of poverty

5. The Plan applies industrial solutions with minimal capitalisation

6. Provides a temporary, seasonally adjustable, timely social option

6. Long term benefits arise from emergency measures experience

7. Canadian components ISO 9000 tested to CSA, ASTM standards


Basic Shelter

The Shelter design is based upon the following criteria:

1.) It will protect inhabitants and be a safe haven from weather conditions.

2.) The materials are readily available and environmentally recyclable

3.) The shelter provides a low cost, hygienic space

4.) It may fit into civil regulated installations and programs wherever practical, reserving the basic rights of all people for access to shelter.

5.) This proposal meets the special building needs of low-income populations.



With minimal financial output to temporarily rehabilitate a building or property lot for these purposes, applying significant innovations in building technology, these methods can immediately assist fulfilling a social transformation of homelessness in a progressive, timely and humanitarian way.

Simple construction techniques using basic tools, common skills and abundant modern materials could resolve much of the desperation experienced by the merchants, commercial and residential citizens, while providing a means to satisfy some needs of the homeless in a practical, economical manner. Success rests upon the demands placed upon the economy, politics and people's acceptance. For the homeless, a little can be a lot ( DL that is.)

The primary advantage this plan offers is its flexibility for individuals to participate, by both community and local development agencies who may assist with independent services, analysis and care.


Management

The current management is done by Mr. Ballan acting as design consultant, who is experienced with construction of boats, buildings and air delivery engineering systems for commercial, industrial & residential clients. Experience with manufacturing, robotics, bionics, environmental and emergency preparedness systems has provided the unique skills to deal with disasters and dislocation needs of populations.


Business Structure

The present structure is an R&D nonprofit design consultancy proprietorship. Under agreements to develop Canadian patent applications for humanitarian purposes opportunities are sought that may apply these specialised design and construction skills and support those wishing to arrange contract financing to develop these projects.



Business Concept

We believe the patent applications are a desirable solution to homelessness, and the humanitarian mandate is to make it affordable wherever a need exists. Opportunities to provide a progressive vision of the future and a viable plan for shelter are rare in Canada.

Due to the physical and psychological nature of homelessness, often the seasonality of need and civil ramifications of assisting indigents, the undertaking to provide clean, sanitary basic shelter is controversial. Yet as both Humanitarians and Canadians in the 21st century, we also realise a new path must be tested and forged to deal with these issues in a holistic and manageable way.

Our building system allows efficient DIY (do-it-yourself) and JIT (just in time) scales of economy especially applied for these applications, in terms of economy, whereas these economies would change following a real natural disaster within the community.



Whole Earth Foundations seeks to develop economic and industrial co-operations whereby the true outcome is measured in social benefits with successful technical applications. This plan allows a community to both participate in social reform as well as test the practicalities of modern shelter designs, possibly needed for their own security needs were a natural disaster to befall the community, requiring emergency housing.