Ford Donates 38 Vehicles to Hurricane Harvey Recovery Efforts

Eight Houston nonprofits will use donated rides to assist with rebuilding efforts  & serve as first responder vehicles for future emergencies.

Nine months after the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, Ford Motor Company is reinforcing its commitment to the Houston community and continuing its support of ongoing recovery efforts in southeast Texas.

Ford employees, Houston-area Ford dealers and local nonprofits are gathering at Houston Food Bank today for a “Texas is Family” community event that marks the donation of 38 Ford vehicles to eight organizations in the state. Vehicles will be used to enhance ongoing relief efforts by delivering food, mental health and medical services, as well as items such as personal hygiene kits, bug spray, and cleaning supplies. Some vehicles will serve as first responder rescue and evacuation vehicles for future emergencies.

The Texas is Family event demonstrates Ford’s strong connections in the Houston community and brings together many of the nonprofits the company has been working with since recovery efforts began last August. Nonprofits participating in today’s event include:

• Houston Food Bank is moving its emergency food pantry outside to serve as a pop-up food pantry for designated clients; Ford employee volunteers are working to facilitate the pantry and assist clients
• The Salvation Army is providing beverages from its canteen – the vehicle used in disasters to serve first responders – as well as information about the services it offers
• American Red Cross is providing information about long-term recovery efforts in Texas and distributing materials related to its home fire campaign; with hurricane season beginning June 1, the organization is also distributing hurricane and flooding preparedness checklists
• First Book is hosting a pop-up library for representatives from up to 20 local schools to come pick up books and supplies for their teachers; Ford employee volunteers are assisting school officials in selecting and packing books

“Ford is the best in Texas because of our longstanding commitment to being a good neighbor, strengthening communities, and helping make people’s lives better – in good times and in times of need,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company. “We want to thank all of our employees, dealers and nonprofit partners who stepped up when the people of Houston needed them most. As another hurricane season approaches, we stand strong in our pledge to continue to help families and communities get back on their feet.”