START Haiti is First Joint Initiative
Washington, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the Modular Building Institute (MBI) today announced the formation of an alliance, Start Today and Rebuild Together (START), to leverage the resources of the construction industry, nongovernmental organizations, and government agencies to respond quickly and efficiently with relief and rebuilding efforts following natural disasters.
The first joint initiative is START Haiti. On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti killing more than 200,000 people and devastating the capital city Port-au-Prince. As Haitians work to put their lives back together, START Haiti will be there to help.
“There is no greater calling than to assist those in communities that have been struck by natural disasters, and we are proud to share this opportunity with the Modular Building Institute,” said ABC President and CEO Kirk Pickerel. “Whether it is Haiti, New Orleans, or some other part of the United States or the world, ABC members have expressed a willingness to get involved in the rebuilding effort.”
“The modular construction industry, perhaps more so than any other industry, has the opportunity to help rebuild Haiti, and rebuild it better than before,” said Executive Director of the Modular Building Institute Tom Hardiman. “The country needs a massive infusion of infrastructure and our industry is excited to be working with ABC to help provide much needed supplies to the people of Haiti.”
For START Haiti, ABC and MBI member companies will raise funds to provide 12 modular containers filled with medical supplies. Nongovernmental organizations, including Volunteers of America (VOA) and Architecture for Humanity, will deliver and set up the modular units. Additional phases of START Haiti include establishing a base camp for volunteers, constructing permanent housing and commercial infrastructure, raising awareness, and lobbying for funds and long-term assistance.
To donate to the START Haiti relief effort, go directly to VOA Southeast HERE, designating the amount you want to give and select START Haiti at the bottom of the donations page.
About Associated Builders and Contractors
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 77 chapters representing 25,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms with two million employees. To find out more about ABC, visit www.abc.org.
About The Modular Building Institute
The Modular Building Institute (MBI), founded in 1983, is the only international, non-profit trade association serving nonresidential modular construction. Regular membership includes wholesale manufacturers, direct manufacturers, and dealers of commercial modular buildings, while associate members are companies supplying building components, services, and financing to the industry. It is MBI’s mission to grow the industry and its capabilities by encouraging innovation, quality, and professionalism through communication, education and recognition. MBI also administers an educational foundation. For more information, visit www.modular.org