The AIA International Region Board and its members are saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the recent explosion that has affected considerable portions of Beirut. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have died or been injured or lost their homes, business and possessions. We pray for a rapid recovery for Beirut and its citizens.
AIA International Region Board
Message from AIA Middle East
After reaching out to our board, we can report what is shared below. We will keep you up to date as the situation develops.
One of our members, Roger Skaff, AIA former Lebanon Country Representative and current LAU Liaison, tells us AIA’s efforts would be best valued if focused toward refurbishing existing buildings, especially traditional ones of value.
He is a member of the Task Force that the Order of Engineers and Architects (OEA) has formed for surveying damaged buildings, and has the LAU students on standby for this purpose. Great timing to put this puzzle together with AIA and AIAS local chapters, under the OEA guidelines.
All efforts have to coordinate with and perform under the OEA umbrella. The task force meeting to discuss the guidelines was planned for the night the government resigned and got postponed. They are waiting for the call announcing the next meeting, which is expected imminently. We will keep you apprised.
Our current Country Representative Samer Haddad tells us that AIAS chapters are already working on the ground to help the most affected areas.
There are a lot of NGOs that people can work with and donate to. My friend's brother started this NGO https://www.instagram.com/aadforlebanon/?igshid=32cqldabpvao
For those asking for links for donations for Lebanon, you can check out reliable NGOs below:
Lebanese Red Cross:
The volunteer-led Lebanese Red Cross Society provides emergency medical services and immediate relief to victims of natural and human disasters. The volunteer-led Lebanese Red Cross Society provides emergency medical services and immediate relief to victims of natural and human disasters. https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/donate.html
Offre Joie:
https://www.givingloop.org/offrejoie
Impact Lebanon:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=jE4Nkrgvz
Chance Association:
https://chanceassociation.org/donate
Bank to School:
https://banktoschool.weebly.com/donate-now.html
Arc En Ciel:
A Lebanese based non-profit NGO, Arcenciel supports Lebanon’s most underprivileged and marginalized communities, with a focus on those with special needs. https://www.arcenciel.org/donate/
Bassma:
https://www.bassma.org/DonateNow/donateonline/
Sesobel:
https://sesobel.us/donate-today
Beit El Baraka:
Beit el Baraka is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting elderly and vulnerable communities in Lebanon. https://beitelbaraka.net/donation/pay/
Impact Lebanon:
Impact Lebanon is a non-profit organization that brings the community together to pursue initiatives that deliver impact for Lebanon. https://www.impactlebanon.org/donations/new
Solidarity:
Solidarity unifies Lebanese around the globe to bridge their efforts in lifting the hardships and improving people’s livelihood. https://www.solidarity.org.lb/people-below-poverty-line/
This was posted by a friend and former colleague: How to help in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion
Sherif Anis, AIA, NCARB, RIBA
AIA International Region, Middle East Chapter Representative
