About a week ago I got the chance to see Greg Bennick of
Trial do a spoken word. While there, two other people also got up and did a
spoken word as well. The first being my good friend Cody Conrad, and the second
being a young man by the name of Joshua Stark. Josh had an interesting story to tell. He begin to tell his
experience in Haiti, as a part of a medical team, and his story as well as his
work with Rural Roof Project really got to me, so I wanted to help spread the
word. Here what he had to say about the Rural Roof Project:
“In rural parts of the world, but especially Haiti, homes
often have thatch roofs that provide some protection from the elements, but are
hardly water proof. In a place as wet as Haiti, these thatch roofs are also a
breeding ground for triatomine bugs more commonly known as "Kissing
Bugs".
Additionally, there is a very real benefit to
providing shelter from the elements. When the thatch roofs are replaced with
tin roofs, the home owners have one less concern to worry about and a sense of
security that is about as basic as they come. In my opinion, to provide someone
with shelter is one of the greatest acts of charity you can provide, and the
hope and positivity spread to the community. It's $300 to replace one roof,
which includes all the supplies/labor, and literally every penny given to the
Rural Roof Project is going directly to the roofs.
In the future, we're going to be selling shirts and
everything after the costs of shirts and ink will be going there as well. The
shirts will be punk and hardcore inspired designs that our team is screening
ourselves to keep costs down. This is about as DIY as it comes, and it's nice
to think that we can take some of the punk rock values we have, to do some
good.”
So if you can, please spread the word about the good that's being done here, as well as donate whatever you can.
Donate through PayPal at www.ropaderelief.com
and specify “Rural Roof Project” in the comments section.
I hope a lot of roofs in Haiti can be replaced through this project. Indeed, a thatch roof of that kind can serve as a breeding ground for various organisms, which can lead to disease. Having a dependable and durable roof over their heads will help keep from contracting diseases carried by these organisms.
ReplyDelete-Eugene Head
I agree with you, Eugene, having a tin roof is much better than a worn out thatch roof. Aside from being a breeding ground for various organisms that can cause diseases, the roof looks unstable and might collapse at any moment. A tin roof is more durable and sturdy, even after many years.
ReplyDelete@Noreen Saint
A thatch roof may have different bacteria growing on it can be hazardous when it comes in contact with human skin. A thin roof is not only susceptible to damage from strong winds and storms, but it is also not good enough to protect the people inside the house from excessive sunlight.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Gulliver
The bigger issue is actually that the thatch roofs house a bug that falls on people, bites them, and transmits a bacteria that causes a fatal heart condition. Shelter is one thing people need. But even higher on that list is a functioning heart.
Delete“In rural parts of the world, but especially Haiti, homes often have thatch roofs that provide some protection from the elements, but are hardly waterproof.”---- Yes, people there must’ve been used to thatched roofs; nevertheless, they still need a better roofing system for them to be entirely sheltered. Even though that the new roof doesn’t blend well with the house structure, we all know that it’s what’s best for the residents there to provide them with better protection. ;)
ReplyDeleteDanielle Bailey
What a notable project this is! This should be spread out so we can help more people in replacing their roofs from thatch to tin. The tin roof is the most practical way to save these people from coming in contact with bugs that can cause diseases. It is also sturdy enough to survive storms and strong winds. I suggest that you paint the tin roof so its life can be prolonged amidst different weather conditions.
ReplyDeleteRonald Miller