The primary need of the Kosovo Albanian refugees currently sickening of exposure on the Kosovo border is shelter. I would like to try and provide that shelter on a massive scale with a simple system of construction which will rapidly provide a minimum amount of shelter.

It seems the NATO allies are unable to respond with anymore than token aid or force to this cruel and inhumane development that some feel is a direct result of NATO's decision to bomb the Serbs. This inability to cope with this somewhat predictable Serb reaction does not bode well for a successful outcome of the conflict for NATO.

Those interested in helping the Kosovar's should not confine themselves to official relief agencies to provide timely response. Wouldn't you prefer to fund a project which displays direct and rapid effectiveness. This is an attempt to establish a rapid reaction system for refugees. It is driven by the immediate need of the Kosovar's the lessons learned in this action will form the basis of a permanent system devoted to providing rapid relief to persons displaced by disaster whether it be an act of God or man. I urge anyone, who wishes to help, to consider supporting the following course of action.

First of all why should such a system be implemented. The current tragedy playing itself out on the Kosavo border has elements common to all disasters. Refugees of any disaster are basically looking for sanctuary. The first requirement of sanctuary is shelter. Someplace out of the elements to begin to heal the psychological and physical trauma common to all refugees in any disaster. As any doctor knows the sooner a person begins to heal the less the long term impact of trauma will be. This is especially true of refugees who are in psychological if not actual medical shock. I think everyone agrees the best possible treatment of such victims is rest, out of the elements. Once a system to provide shelter is in place a more elaborate system of administration and treatment can be added in to form an effective on site management team.

Once a system of shelter construction is underway these structures can be used to shelter other activities.

Heating , water pumping, and electrical generation would be housed in utility sheds of the same construction. Medical clinics, communications with satellite uplink, administration facilities, food warehouses, and housing for site personnel are all facilities which would speed and increase the effectiveness of relief efforts which will translate into lives saved and diminished suffering.

Such a system of refugee relief may be developed in Kosovo because of the present urgent need but the organization would remain at the ready, as a specialized team training, organizing, and warehousing relief supplies to serve in future catastrophic situations both foreign and domestic , such as a major earthquakes. Catastrophes ,of course occur with appalling regularity, we need a fast cheap and effective system of getting aid to survivors. If you or anyone you know is willing to contribute to the realization of this system please contact myself via email or forward this to potential contributors.

Corporate or Institutional contributors will have their logo prominently displayed on every shelter resulting from their contributions.

04/10/99