J.J. Watt Foundation donates $2.3 million to help Habitat for Humanity continue to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey
ATLANTA (September 18, 2018) – J.J. Watt, defensive end for the Houston Texans, donated $2.3 million through the J.J. Watt Foundation to support Habitat for Humanity’s long-term efforts to repair homes of those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Jefferson County, Texas. The donation will be used to help families and communities rebuild stronger and more resilient places to call home.
“Progress toward recovery remains steady, but there is much more work that needs to be done,” said Julie Laird Davis, vice president of Corporate and Foundation Relations for Habitat for Humanity International. “We remain committed to helping hurricane-affected families with their shelter needs, and this generous donation from the J.J. Watt Foundation will enable us to continue that much needed work in Jefferson County. We are very appreciative to the J.J. Watt Foundation for helping us help others.”
Over the next few years, Habitat is committed to continue helping hurricane-affected families recover through repairs, new construction and advocacy. Habitat is also focused on helping families prepare for future hurricanes. Through the Habitat Ready program, homeowners will have access to resources that will help them make a family preparedness plan, put together a supply kit and be ready to respond to common hazards in their community.
Habitat for Humanity has completed more than 7,900 recovery services across Texas since Hurricane Harvey made landfall. Services include home construction activities, emergency repairs, case management assistance, debris removal and funding homeowner loans to assist with covering insurance or FEMA gaps.
Hurricane Harvey, followed by hurricanes Irma and Maria, combined to create one of the nation’s largest housing disasters. Habitat for Humanity is committed to helping families in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico recover through the Habitat Hammers Back recovery initiative. To donate, or for updates about Habitat’s recovery efforts, visit habitat.org/hurricanes or follow #HabitatHammersBack on social media.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About J.J. Watt Foundation
For information about the JJ Watt Foundation please visit the website at www.jjwfoundation.org and follow them on Twitter or Facebook.