{"id":19816,"date":"2017-08-31T17:15:09","date_gmt":"2017-09-01T00:15:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=19816"},"modified":"2017-08-31T18:22:40","modified_gmt":"2017-09-01T01:22:40","slug":"co-op-support-in-houston","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/news\/co-op-support-in-houston","title":{"rendered":"Co-op Support in Houston"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editor’s Note: Today, REI Co-op CEO and President Jerry Stritzke wrote to employees about the co-op’s response to Hurricane Harvey.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The devastation in Houston is evident, and we\u2019re all glad that employees are safe and accounted for. I also know there\u2019s a lot to do to figure out what\u2019s next as the community assesses the damage. I have no doubt that the resilient people of Houston, and the wider region, will come together to rebuild, and our REI community is doing the same.<\/p>\n

As we\u2019ve watched events unfold, we\u2019ve been building a co-op response that will have meaningful impact. We are gathering on-the-ground data in real time and are clear-eyed in understanding that many resources from around the country are descending on the region and we need to be deliberate to complement that work and not complicate it.<\/p>\n

Supporting our employees <\/strong><\/h4>\n

All employees scheduled to work this week are being paid. Our HR, retail ops and store teams are working together to gather detailed information on each affected employee\u2014understanding their situation and what their individual needs are.<\/p>\n

We are evaluating all options to support them\u2014from financial support to providing needed gear and supplies. By the end of next week, we will have a clear plan of action and will be connecting directly with each employee affected. We\u2019ll also let you know if there\u2019s a way you can pitch in.<\/p>\n

Once we know specifically what our teammates need, we are also going to put out a call to all stores across the country for gear that fits the need. Our Austin-Gateway store has volunteered to take shipments and will work with the Houston teams to distribute the needed product in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

Supporting the Houston community <\/strong><\/h4>\n

We have committed to providing $100,000 in gear needed now to support humanitarian aid for the broader Houston community (cots, towels, etc.). Product donations will be distributed through a trusted partner.<\/p>\n

And, once immediate recovery is done, we will help rebuild the region\u2019s recreational infrastructure. We are in touch with local recreation nonprofits about how they might begin the rehabilitation of beloved outdoor recreation areas.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll stay close with government organizations and nonprofits on the ground so we can make sure our support is relevant and useful as the recovery effort continues. It\u2019s hard to know these things in advance, but we expect these total contributions now and into early next year to exceed $200,000.<\/p>\n

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Photo Courtesy: Eric Brown, Houston-Baybrook Store Manager<\/p><\/div>\n

What you can do<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Many of you have asked how you can help right now; below is a list of resources if you are looking for ways to get involved.<\/p>\n

Humanitarian aid:<\/em><\/p>\n