This is a great combination of Open innovation partnerships, social media input from crowdsourcing, and helping make the world a better place. New Story is a non profit based in Haiti, and has come up with a crowdfunding platform which enables families to raise the money to finance building a new, long-term home.
It takes about $6,000 to build a home for one family. New Story has partnered with Mission of Hope, which sources families in need and helps them to launch a crowdfunding campaign. Potential donors can read the family’s story and view expenses such as materials and labor. All the money raised goes directly to each project, which is then carried out by local contractors in Haiti. The houses, which are three room block homes, are usually completed within two months, after which families post video updates for their donors. You can read this story here, and perhaps even donate to a family in need yourself: http://www.newstorycharity.org/