We had built such a close relationship with the biochar farmers participating in our ADB biochar project that we could not simply leave them alone after the devastating earthquake destroyed their homes. Thanks to the generous donations of the friends of Ithaka and a building design as beautiful as it is simple, all 20 farmer families that lost their homes were able to move into new, safe earthbag houses only a few short months after the earthquake . The houses are made using 95% local, natural materials and were built without machines but with local craftsmanship and many helping hands.