Vanguard Modular Building Systems Leads the Way for MBI to Aid with Hurricane Katrina Relief

September 9, 2005
Malvern, PA

As thousands of volunteers and workers scramble to help the victims, one can only wonder at the number of highly specialized companies that are at work in the background making the relief work in the Gulf-States possible. One such company is Vanguard Modular Building Systems. VMBS is an award-winning provider of modular commercial building solutions along the eastern and southern seaboard.

On September 2 a call came from US Senator Jeff Sessions (AL) on behalf of the Volunteers of America. The Modular Building Institute, a non-profit trade association serving the commercial factory-built buildings industry was more than willing to send out the request to it’s membership. Relief workers needed a stable, temporary work space immediately.

Tom Hardiman, MBI’s Executive Director, provided the central communication point to get the ball rolling to fulfill the request for help. Vanguard Modular promptly responded with two single wide offices that fit the Volunteer’s request. Modular buildings are an ideal solution to the quick space needs required after this kind of structural devastation.

MBI members who did not have buildings available offered to help offset expenses. MBI provided funding for the generators, and TMP Services (Atlanta, GA) donated steps. It was a collaborative effort that saw day-to-day competitors working together for the greater good.

The two offices are being transported and delivered to Gulfport, MS and will become temporary medical clinics for this hard hit area. A third building has been promised by Wilmot Modular Structures, Inc. of Maryland.

Cathy Conti, of Pennsylvania-based VMBS noted that, “Vanguard Modular is proud to help the relief efforts in a real way.  I can't think of a better way t aid the victims in the devastated area, than by providing buildings for relief operations. We overcame a lot of obstacles to get these buildings on their way but it’s been a fulfilling experience to coordinate everyone’s efforts to make this happen. We wish there was a magic spell to get it there yesterday but we’re all dealing with Katrina’s aftermath and the far-reaching effects. This is just a small drop in the bucket every company should find a way to contribute.”