Start Today and Rebuild Together (START) is a construction industry alliance between Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the Modular Building Institute (MBI). START was formed 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 initiative, START Haiti, will help the country rebuild after January’s 7.0 magnitude earthquake. START Haiti gives ABC and MBI member companies an avenue for raising funds and sending modular containers outfitted with medical supplies to Haiti.
By working with Volunteers of America (VoA), Architecture for Humanity (AfH) and government agencies, the alliance will ensure clean and adequate facilities are in place for the people of Haiti in a timely and orderly manner.
How you can donate
All donations for START Haiti will be made directly to Volunteers of America Southeast. Click on the red button, select the amount you would like to donate and select START Haiti at the bottom of the donations page.
More details on START 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 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.
For more information on ABC’s START Haiti disaster relief effort, go here.
ABC of Western Washington is proud to sponsor the annual community enhancement project with National Association of Office & Industrial Properties (NAIOP). Working through the Community Enhancement Committee, we find a worthy project that can accommodate about 400 workers in a single day.
This year's project Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, Disovery Park in Magnolia, Seattle will be the fifth year that ABC is cooperating with the NAIOP on their Community Enhancement Day. United Indians of All Tribes develops and operates educational, social, economic and cultural programs and activities benefiting local Native Americans.
Keep your calendars open for Saturday, September 25, 2010! The ABC staff has taken charge of registration and food service for the volunteers who we hope will show up in record numbers. We are inviting ABC members and their employees and families to show up, to make a difference in the community. It is a great way to spend a few quality hours with your kids and/or employees. NAIOP is also looking for cash or in-kind donations to help defray the cost of materials, food, etc. Contact Victoria Klyce at (800) 640-7789 if you want to donate. ABC is a major sponsor.
“ABC has always taken on a community service project, and by combining our efforts with NAIOP we can cut down on administration and planning and concentrate on just doing the work that needs to get done,” explained President Kathleen Garrity.
ABC Young Professionals Group holds a annual toy drive for the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. The US Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit public charity that began in 1947. A main goal of ABC’s YPG is to get involved in community enhancement programs. The program collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, and distributes the toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. The primary goal is to send a message of hope to youngsters that will motivate them to grow up into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
ABC's Young Professionals Group hosted their first joint event with Rebuilding Together Seattle's Young Professionals Society. The purpose of the event was to get to know other fellow young professionals in the industry and raise funds for a YPS project house in the spring! All proceeds of the event which was almost $1000 went towards the YPS project house fund.
Rebuilding Together Seattle is a non-profit organization who counts on volunteers and charitable contributions to repair or rebuild homes at no cost to low-income homeowners, particularly those who are elderly, disabled or families with children.
ABC's YPG looks forward to having an yearly joint event with this great group.