Bluebird Network, a Midwest communications infrastructure provider and data center owner, recently announced that it is continuing its dedication to supporting the communities it serves, partnering with Impact 4 Good and River City Habitat for Humanity to provide supplies for Jefferson City, MO, residents who lost their homes to a tornado in 2019.
The tornado, which occurred on May 22, 2019, was an EF-3 tornado that struck Missouri’s capital with estimated peak winds of 160 mph. While there was fortunately no loss of life, this resulted in more than 20 people being injured and over 150 damaged buildings. In the end, the disaster resulted in insurance claims that climbed to over $150 million.
Bluebird Network has a history in the area, having completed a 26-mile high-speed fiber expansion in Jefferson City earlier this year. This fiber densification project ensured that the company was continuing its mission of bringing critical services such as high-speed internet and competitive data transport to the Midwest and its organizations. Now, however, the company is underscoring its dedication to community support, offering help to those who were impacted by the tornado.
River City Habitat for Humanity is on track to complete eight new homes for residents by the end of the year. To help, Bluebird Network is donating more than $4,000 to support the new homeowners with “New Home Kits” for when they eventually move into these new residences. The kits provide a hammer, screwdrivers, bits, a utility knife, a tape measure and other tools that are useful for day-to-day maintenance and repair, along with handwritten notes from Bluebird Network employees welcoming the families and offering words of encouragement.
“They are an excellent tool set for families to have on hand for everyday repairs or maintenance issues as they embark on their new journey as a homeowner,” said Susan Cook, Executive Director of River City Habitat for Humanity. “With 60 kits, Bluebird Network will be supporting our families and our affiliate charity for many years to come, and we couldn’t be more appreciative!”
This step builds on Bluebird Network’s history of working closely with community initiatives. Earlier this year, the company donated five thousand dollars to The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri’s Buddy Pack program, a program that serves approximately 7,500 children across 160 schools in a 32-county service area who rely on free or reduced-price lunches. In 2016, the company’s staff also volunteered their time to assemble these lunches.
“Yes, we’re a company that provides high-bandwidth solutions to other companies, but at the end of the day, we’re here to serve our communities and the people that reside there,” said Michael Morey, President and CEO of Bluebird Network. “I’m a big proponent of companies using their resources to give back, and Bluebird Network will always do what we can to support our communities. I am truly appreciative of River City Habitat for Humanity and Impact 4 Good for their hard work in this project as well. They have been great partners to work with and accomplish such important work for their communities.”
Bluebird Network and the Bluebird Underground Data Center continue to deliver high standards of communications infrastructure so customers can focus on the safety and needs of their employees and communities. Those interested in volunteering can contact the local Habitat for Humanity office at info@rivercityhabitat.org or call 573-635-8439. Volunteer numbers on site are limited due to the pandemic, but the charity continues onsite construction efforts 4-5 days a week. Volunteers are needed on the jobsite and in the ReStore, which helps fund the construction of new homes.
