Iowans' Haiti shelter effort ahead of schedule

An Iowa-based effort to provide emergency shelter to Haiti is ahead of schedule, according to organizers.

"It's a big part of the personality of who we are as a state," said Aaron Putze, spokesman for the Iowa Soybean Association. "It's based on us recognizing others are going through challenges."

Launched in December by Laurens farmer Ken DeYoung, the Global Compassion Network aims to ship 48 shelters based on familiar steel grain bins to Haiti by this summer.

Meeting with The Gazette's editorial board this afternoon, Putze reported the network has received donations for 30 shelters at $5,700 each, with an additional $1,000 for shipping and assembly. About a dozen shelters have been assembled at a five-acre site near Les Cayes, Haiti.

Dubbed SafeTHomes, the shelters are based on the 18-foot-wide circular bins made by Sukup Manufacturing of Sheffield. The steel bins are modified with windows and a lockable door,a system that collects rainwater for occupants' use, ventilation, and a double-roof system that dissipates heat. Network volunteers help assemble the structures and install their concrete floors.

The SafeTHomes can withstand earthquakes and high winds and can accommodate 10 to 12 people.  The soybean growers' group is donating a $1,000 meal package with each shelter.

"It's not permanent housing," Putze said.  "It's to help some of these families get back on their feet."

DeYoung got involved with relief efforts soon after the January 2010 earthquake that struck Haiti.