Utah Company Raises Funds to Build EcoShells in Belize

From staff and wire reports

When Rebecca South founded Domes for the World in 2005, she was building on the vision of her father, David B. South. He envisioned the construction of safe, low-cost dome homes for the poorest people on the planet. His vision has turned into reality as EcoShell domes have been built in countries like Indonesia, Ethiopia, Mongolia, Sudan, Sri Lanka and Bolivia.

Belize is the newest country on the list. Pinnacle Security, Utah-based residential security market, recently completed a week-long home-building project in the Central American country as part of the company’s philanthropic initiative, “Securing Hope.” A group of 27 Pinnacle representatives spent one week in November building EcoShells for families in Belize through the nonprofit organization Domes for Belize.

EcoShells, a variation of the Monolithic Dome, are steel-reinforced concrete buildings that are permanent, fireproof, and disaster-resistant and can be built entirely by hand in as little as four days. They also are eco-friendly, using 50 percent less concrete and reinforcing materials than traditional homes.

Volunteers including Pinnacle representatives and their family members, as well as supporters of Domes for Belize, raised funds and participated in the construction of the disaster-proof housing for families in Belize. The dome shape of the homes allows them to withstand natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.

“As part of our Securing Hope initiative, Pinnacle sets up humanitarian opportunities as often as possible, many times partnering with organizations like Domes for Belize to make the most significant impact we can,” said Stuart Dean, vice president of corporate communications for Pinnacle Security. “Service is an integral part of our company DNA and that desire and commitment to help is part of what makes up a Pinnacle representative. This trip to Belize is one example of our commitment as a company to a culture of service.”

Funding for the Domes for Belize project came from a charity run organized by Pinnacle, as well as additional contributions from Pinnacle associates. Pinnacle sponsored its Third Annual Charity Run with events in October and November, raising tens of thousands of dollars for both Domes for Belize and Beyond Borders. Additionally, Pinnacle representatives who desired to build the homes in Belize donated commission from four to five sales to provide additional funding.

“Families were able to move into the homes as soon as they were finished which just takes a few days,” said Scott Warner, a regional vice president for Pinnacle Security. “It was an amazing experience to build safe homes and create an immediate positive impact for these families. Our entire group was so pleased to be a part of it.”

In addition to building dome homes, the Pinnacle volunteers painted a local school and donated boxes of groceries to nearby families. The team completed one dome home and began construction on two others. Warner plans to return to Belize next year to build multiple homes for several families in Belize.

Domes for Belize is part of Domes for the World. For more information on how to become involved with Pinnacle Security Securing Hope initiatives, please visit: www.pinnaclesecuringhope.com.