Mayor Whitmire Thanks Public-Private Partners for Donation to Power Protection Initiative

Mayor Whitmire Thanks Public-Private Partners for Donation to Power Protection Initiative

ExxonMobil, United Way Partner to Strengthen Houston's Emergency Infrastructure

HOUSTON, TX - June 9, 2026 - ExxonMobil and United Way of Greater Houston today announced a donation to the City of Houston's Power Protection Plan to help strengthen the region's natural disaster infrastructure. The donation supports the purchase and installation of a generator at the Fonde Community Center in the Third Ward.

The Fonde Community Center has served as one of the city's busiest climate-controlled facilities during recent disasters. Adding a generator will ensure it continues serving the community when needed most. This investment also supports the city's ongoing efforts to expand resources for residents experiencing homelessness and enhances preparedness during times of crisis. They expect to complete the generator installation by May 2027.

"This donation represents our commitment to strengthening community resilience and ensuring that, even in the most challenging circumstances, people have safe, reliable access to energy and related critical support," said Alvin Abraham, global manager of corporate giving, ExxonMobil. "We thank the City of Houston for leading this initiative and for the opportunity to be part of a solution that helps our neighbors better prepare for and recover from disasters."

United Way of Greater Houston used an analysis of 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE calls, combined with data from the United Way ALICE Report, to inform the location of the generator. This analysis shows that households already struggling to make ends meet before the disaster made the highest number of calls for disaster assistance.

"A key part of disaster preparedness and resiliency is having a safe, accessible place where community members know they can go not only for physical resources, but also for an encouraging voice and a helping hand in difficult times," said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. "We are grateful to ExxonMobil for their commitment to improving our city's resiliency and for their longtime support of disaster recovery efforts."

Through ExxonMobil's generous support and United Way of Greater Houston's disaster resiliency efforts, this backup generator will help keep the doors open at Fonde Community Center during emergencies.

"When I became mayor, I was surprised to find that most of our critical city facilities, including fire and police stations, did not have generators to use during emergencies. The Power Protection Initiative I launched will install generators in 100 of our facilities following years of neglect," said Mayor John Whitmire. "This is exactly the kind of partnership Houston needs. I appreciate ExxonMobil and United Way of Greater Houston for stepping up to help strengthen disaster preparedness in our city. The Fonde Community Center has been a critical resource during emergencies, and this investment will help ensure it remains available to serve residents when they need it most."