Because Everyone Should Have a Home
Our corporate philanthropy program, direct in the community, plays a leadership role in supporting charitable initiatives that provide services related to safe and affordable housing.
The Star of Hope Mission
has operated for 96 years and has grown to serve more than 6,700 homeless people annually through its emergency shelters, transitional living centers and special programs. In June 2003, the mission was suffering from critically low food levels and deep financial struggles; it was on the brink of closing one of its temporary shelter programs and reducing staff. Direct Energy learned of the mission’s struggles and contributed $50,000 to help.
Since then we have developed a close relationship with Star of Hope and continue to support them financially as well as assist them during emergency situations like the one they were presented with when the state of Texas became a refuge for Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita evacuees. The immediate response from Direct Energy employees to assist Star of Hope and other agencies providing shelter and goods to those in need demonstrated a real commitment on our part to our communities. It also made us all realize that homelessness can become an issue when you least expect it and as a result of a natural disaster.
The Housing Crisis Center in Dallas
The Housing Crisis Center works to prevent homelessness and to stabilize families, the elderly and the disabled in decent, affordable, permanent housing. One of their many educational programs, HomePower, educates clients about the importance of managing a budget and prioritizing bill-payment to maintain a stable home environment and ensuring that they can get help before their situation results in becoming homeless.
Habitat for Humanity’s SuperBuild XXXVIII
On February 1, 2004, many people celebrated more than just a football game. For 38 underprivileged families in Texas, Super Bowl Sunday was the day they were given a new home.
More than 45 Direct Energy employees teamed up to build one of the 38 homes constructed during Habitat for Humanity’s SuperBuild XXXVIII. They volunteered their time for construction from January 19th to 23rd, returning on January 28th to complete the property by planting trees.
Their effort and devotion, along with a $50,000 donation from Direct Energy, made it possible for a Houston family to have a place to call home on Super Bowl Sunday.
