Caterpillar Foundation donates $490K to Victoria County United Way for Harvey recovery

May 03--The Caterpillar Foundation has announced Wednesday a one-time grant of $490,000 will be awarded to the Victoria County United Way to help drive disaster recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

The funds will be used to help address the critical, long-term housing needs in Victoria County, according to a news release.

More than 35,000 households in the county filed insurance claims following the Aug. 25 Category 4 hurricane, according to the Insurance Council of Texas, with more than 20,000 residents also applying for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"For the estimated 6,800 Victoria-area families displaced from their homes due to damage by Harvey, this grant will help us continue to provide temporary living assistance and aid in funding the construction of critical, longer-term housing solutions," said David Edwards, president of the local United Way Board of Directors.

The Caterpillar Victoria facility opened on Lone Tree Road in 2012 and produces hydraulic excavators and forestry machines primarily for the company's North American customer base.

"Hurricane Harvey was devastating to many of our employees and to our community as a whole," said Art Strother, Caterpillar Victoria facility manager. "We've seen firsthand how the United Way leverages donations to help our community, and we are pleased to partner with them to support local rebuilding efforts and help build a better world."

Caterpillar Foundation President Michele Sullivan said the foundation is focused on empowering people to develop resilient, sustainable communities. "We're proud to support the Victoria community as it shifts its focus to rebuilding, helping to place people back on the path to prosperity," she said.

In addition to the nearly half-million dollar grant, the company has long been a strong donor. Each year, Caterpillar Victoria employees donate money to the United Way through an annual giving campaign, with employee contributions matched dollar for dollar by the Caterpillar Foundation. Despite managing through their personal recovery efforts following the hurricane, employees donated a record amount in 2017.

Executive Director Dolly Stokes said strong support from company partners both financially and through volunteerism, allows the organization to help the community through worthwhile programs and services. "Caterpillar has been an outstanding community partner, with employees turning out in big numbers to donate money, volunteer at community projects, serve on committees and help in every way possible," she said.

Laura Garcia reports on health and nonprofits for the Victoria Advocate. She may be reached at [email protected] or 361-580-6585.

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