My 2¢

I think once a defined need is determined, we should work on how to keep this activity under the auspices of the Guild; it needs to have some educational component.

With all of the public interest right now in helping out, offering localized workshops with individual structures being created would probably draw large crowds. Just think how many local groups you've seen over the last few months doing Tsunami benefits? There is a lot of local labor out there that would be more than willing. Just look at the amount of interest on this discussion board if you don't believe it. The cause may need cash the most right now, but we all have hubristic motives to some extent. Now, we can appease that desire by getting sweat on our brows, making something tangible, for people who really need shelter. Plus, we get to preach the word of Timber Framing.

However, defining the need should be paramount right now. And, why not Habitat for Humanity, once we have done our south-Asia work? There is always a local need too. Perhaps even more so now that local efforts are being directed overseas.