Building Humanity was conceived in 2008 when Erin Colshan was interning on an archaeological dig in Porolissum-Moigrad, Romania. There was a lot of support coming into the community during the summer with the international students, but once the students left, support stopped. The local museum director and lead archaeologist, Alexandru Matei, who became a dear friend and mentor, encouraged Erin to find a way to continue helping the community after students left. With this challenge in mind, Erin went home and together with her mother, Stephanie, took the steps to create a nonprofit. Initially donations were coming from past students who had worked in the area, and our main focus was helping the community in Moigrad. But soon, Building Humanity was being contacted about other communities and families in Transylvania needing assistance. Eventually the focus became the Caminul Felix orphanage in Oradea, which needed help with construction projects. That is when Building Humanity began to shift into what it is today. With her training as an architect, Erin realized that she could utilize her education and experience in architecture to help communities who might not have access to these services. Erin discovered a huge interest to lend professional experience pro bono, and Building Humanity began to tap into that desire. By reaching out to contacts made throughout her travels, Erin asked about communities in need of help, and calls have come in from every corner of the world; Romania, Thailand, Peru, Ghana, Madagascar, Tanzania, and more.

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Now Building Humanity needs you to help us continue our mission and support the many communities looking for help to complete their building projects.

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