Helping Southern US through Winter Storms: Giving Back in our Home State

Deadly winter storms swept across the southern United States, claiming at least 59 lives and knocking out power to millions of residents. Bitter cold descended on Texas, home to our corporate headquarters, and spread over a wide area where people are unaccustomed and unprepared for severe weather.

Vulnerable populations, especially the homeless, are struggling to find warmth and shelter, and many facilities that would normally be available are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As well, families living in substandard homes are desperate for relief. Many are expecting continued power outages even after the storms pass.

Response to the crisis is happening now. Organizations are scrambling to bring warm clothing, hot food and temporary shelter to those who are hardest hit. However, with travel still difficult due to the snow, ice and cold, the effort has met several delays.

Feeding Texas is one of many organizations on the ground responding immediately to the crisis. Feeding Texas feeds more than five million Texans annually, but today the need for their assistance has increased dramatically. Through their network of 21 food banks, Feeding Texas is responding to communities across 254 counties with food supplies and clean water – essential supplies lost due to the winter storms. The demand for Feeding Texas’ work is expected to continue for the next two to three months as communities look to recover and build back their resilience.

Jacobs Vice President, Global Sustainability Zoe Haseman shared, “Jacobs' new approach to global giving and volunteering - the Collectively program℠ – enables us to respond quickly to support local communities in the southern United States, including many of our colleagues, friends and family, who have been deeply affected by the recent winter storms."

Jacobs is offering 100% matched employee donations to charities dealing with the impact of the devastating winter storms, including American Red Cross Disaster Relief, Houston Food Bank, Austin Area Urban League, Front Steps, North Texas Food Bank, and Feeding Texas.

In addition to the Collectively employee matching campaign, we donated $25,000 directly to Feeding Texas, to support them with their important relief work.

“The pandemic already pushed more Texans than ever to access food assistance from food banks. But the need is even higher as we strive to help Texas families recover from the impact of the recent winter storms,” said Celia Cole, Chief Executive Officer at Feeding Texas. “We are grateful for Jacobs’ support in helping Texas food banks keep their communities nourished through this crisis.”

For more about Jacobs Collectively program, visit https://www.jacobs.com/about/sustainability.