Eric Arndt, Shanghai general manager of Habitat for Humanity, is organizing a relief gig for victims of the Haiti earthquake

City Weekend: What is Habitat for Humanity?

Eric Arndt: It’s a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating homelessness and poverty housing in the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat has built, renovated and repaired almost 300,000 homes worldwide.

CW: How is it involved in helping victims of the Haiti earthquake?

EA: We’re offering a three- fold response to the earthquake: clearing debris from home sites, providing Habitat materials and tools so families can repair damaged homes, and building transitional housing.

CW: What’s happening in Shanghai?

EA: Several events are being organized to raise awareness about the Haiti earthquake response efforts and needs. We already held a Spring Festival Celebration at the JW Marriott on Sat, January 30, and we have arranged a concert called Dance for Haiti at The Zhijiang Dream Factory on March 5.

CW: Who is playing at the Dream Factory?

EA: Lions of Puxi, Duck Fight Goose, Studio 188, Wayne’s Basement, Weghur and Monroe Stahr have confirmed.

CW: How can we get involved, raise money and help disaster victims?

EA: Supporters can visit www.habitatchina.org to learn more about financially supporting Habitat’s Haiti response efforts. The rebuilding effort will take many years–there are up to 1.5 million people in Haiti now in need of a decent, affordable homes–and we welcome the long-term support of the Shanghai community. In addition, we ask our supporters to speak out about the need of Haiti’s earthquake victims. Talk to friends and, when organizing a party, think of including an awareness-raising or fundraising component.