CITGO And Rebuilding Together Houston Partnership Targets Hurricane Harvey Recovery
$6 Million Donation Designed to Repair up to 300 Homes in Three Years
Jan 27, 2018, 01:00 ET
HOUSTON, Jan. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Petroleum Corporation is donating up to $6 Million to Rebuilding Together Houston with an immediate goal of repairing up to 300 homes in Houston's Independence Heights community over the next three years, in addition to longer-term recovery efforts. The partnership is part of the CITGO Fueling Good. Rebuilding Lives. initiative, which is dedicated to recovery in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
The Independence Heights "Home After Harvey" recovery program will evaluate affected homes with a goal of transforming 100 houses per year. CITGO volunteers will work with Rebuilding Together Houston to clean up these properties and ensure they are safe havens for families. The support from CITGO will also allow Rebuilding Together Houston to engage other community partners and volunteers to help in the long-term recovery efforts.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott thanked CITGO for its generosity to the state in contributing to storm recovery. "The tremendous generosity we've seen from companies like CITGO show that no disaster can match the spirit of Texas when we work together," said Governor Abbott. "When companies invest here, they are investing in the people of Texas, and CITGO's announcement is a testament to their commitment to these communities during the recovery process. This donation will go a long way in helping those trying to rebuild their lives after Harvey, and I thank CITGO for their dedication to helping victims recover."
Christine Holland, CEO of Rebuilding Together Houston said the generous donation from CITGO will make a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of Houston's vulnerable neighbors — "those without the means, the resources, or the network to rebuild after Hurricane Harvey," she said. "Together, we will ensure that residents can safely return to their homes as soon as possible," Holland said.
The donation to Rebuilding Together Houston is part of a larger CITGO effort to assist with hurricane relief and rebuilding efforts. CITGO customers participated by contributing 1 cent from each gallon of fuel purchased – up to $8 Million – and CITGO donated an additional $3 Million to the Greater Houston Community Foundation plus more than 100 volunteer hours in Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas.
"We understand the long-term impact disasters like Hurricane Harvey have on affected communities, and are here to help our fellow Houstonians recover every step of the way," said CITGO President and CEO Asdrúbal Chávez. "We are grateful for the hard work of Rebuilding Together Houston, and are committed to working by their side on the road to recovery."
About CITGO
CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.
About Rebuilding Together Houston
Rebuilding Together Houston impacts the lives of hundreds of families across Harris County annually by providing free home repairs for low-income elderly, U.S. Military Veterans, and people with disabilities. Since 1982, we have reinvested more than $120 million in affordable housing throughout Harris County. Through the work of caring volunteers and licensed contractors, and with the support of individual donors, local businesses and corporate partners, Rebuilding Together Houston revitalizes Houston communities, providing safe and healthy housing for neighbors in need.
SOURCE CITGO