HOUSTON—Although Harvey's main impact is now in the rear-view mirror, many who were in the thick of it that weekend encourage the recovery process to remain in the forefront. And, there is no shortage of relief efforts to highlight. Throughout the aftermath of Harvey and Irma, many companies have chipped in to help, either in the form of donations or physical contributions.

One of those companies is Transwestern, which raised approximately $90,000 from team members across the country to directly benefit its team members in Houston who sustained damage to property. In addition, team members volunteered on the weekends to help affected team members with cleaning and repairing damaged homes, provided home-cooked meals or restaurant/grocery gift cards for affected team members, and donated furniture, clothes and housewares to affected team members. Transwestern vice president Anna Mcquillan Rose also organized a fundraiser to benefit recovery efforts from Harvey, Irma and Maria in the US and Puerto Rico.

With regard to commercial properties, property managers and engineers worked diligently during the storm to set up flood gates, some even staying overnight, to prevent or minimize flooding damage. Several teams stayed on site up to four nights.

“A number of Transwestern team members were affected by Harvey. We had team members who were displaced from their residences, lost cars and had their belongings ruined. The dedication to our clients and keeping their buildings safe and operating was truly inspiring,” Steve Ash, Transwestern managing senior vice president who oversees all of Houston property management, tells GlobeSt.com. “Initially, we coordinated rescue efforts to get impacted team members to safety. Transwestern's human resources team led the efforts to identify each team member's status as safe and what impact, if any, they had suffered in the storm.”

Transwestern created a funding site to benefit Transwestern team members in Houston and South Florida. Donations began pouring in from around the company so impacted team members had resources to help get them back on their feet. In just a few weeks, Transwestern raised approximately $90,000 internally. This was distributed on a needs basis, with donations ranging from $500 to $5,000.

“We assisted those who were displaced from their homes or apartments to secure new or temporary housing through our network of apartment owners, as that became a hot commodity in West Houston and other select markets within the city,” Ash tells GlobeSt.com. “We had team members who volunteered their weekends to assist with cleaning and moving furniture, removing damaged sheetrock and insulation, and other clean-up and repair efforts. Our Dallas office collected furniture and housewares, and is ready to deliver them to team members as soon as their homes are ready to receive new items.”

Another company that has made contributions is K2M, as its employees have been personally affected by the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey. K2M has mobilized teams in the recovery efforts and dedicated resources to address the challenges for clients and the local communities, developing, documenting and executing short- and long-term solutions following the impacts of the catastrophic events.

K2M inspectors and professional engineers provided damage assessment and critical stabilization of structures, while structural and mechanical engineers have provided solutions to damaged structures. Electrical engineers offered solutions for electrical repair and supply of critical electrical power.

And, architects and interior designers have developed and documented designs that meet requirements, building codes and brand standards.

Instant Insights /

Resources Extend Way Beyond Initial Storm Period

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