Support for Hurricane Harvey

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Over the last several days, Hurricane Harvey and subsequent Tropical Storm Harvey have caused unprecedented flooding and devastation for many parts of Central and Southeast Texas. It’s truly unparalleled, and our hearts go out to all affected.

Texas National Guard soldiers arrive in Houston, Texas to aid citizens in heavily flooded areas from the storms of Hurricane Harvey.
Texas National Guard soldiers arrive in Houston, Texas to aid citizens in heavily flooded areas from the storms of Hurricane Harvey. (Photo by Lt. Zachary West , 100th MPAD)

As a company headquartered in Central Texas, the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey is personal, and we are committed to supporting customers, colleagues, friends and family who have been affected.

Dell has committed $500,000 to support the American Red Cross’ and Team Rubicon’s relief efforts. The American Red Cross offers resources, shelter, mass feeding, counseling, and eventually financial assistance to those impacted. Team Rubicon brings the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders, rapidly deploying emergency response teams where they are needed most.  Also, we have set up a dedicated relief page on Dell’s internal Legacy of Good Community where our team members can give. Dell matches every dollar donated up to $10,000 USD per team member, per year. One hundred percent of the donations and 100 percent of the match will go to those who need it most.

Additionally, Dell’s Global Command Center (GCC) and Support and Deployment Services continue to proactively monitor the impact of tropical Storm Harvey on our business and customers. GCC established a 24/7 war room, and we are prepared for an increase in call volume from affected customers.

The storm is expected to continue over upcoming days. If a friend or loved one is in harm’s way, urge them to listen to advice of emergency officials. You can find shelters by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or downloading their free Red Cross Emergency App via app stores or redcross.org/apps.

Our Texas colleagues, customers, friends and families are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Texas National Guard soldiers respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey
Texas National Guard soldiers respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey (Photos and Video by Ssg. Tim Pruitt)

[UPDATE 9/5/2017]

Over the last week, I have heard countless stories of team members rushing to respond to those caught in Harvey’s path. Like the story of John New, who has spent the last week as part of Team Rubicon’s response team rescuing our most vulnerable populations along the coast.  And the North America Enterprise Tech Support team and Client Solutions Marketing team, who spent the holiday weekend setting up “Humanitarian Aid – Shelter Internet Stations” at Red Cross mega shelters across the region.

And now we’re transforming one of Dell’s main campus buildings into a business continuity center to help small and medium businesses get back up and running.  The American Red Cross will relocate their command center operations to that location this week.

As if that wasn’t enough, individual team members have donated more than $450,000 to relief efforts in both Texas and South India with the help of the Dell Match. This is in addition to Dell’s corporate contribution, and the $36 million commitment to the Rebuild Texas Fund from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. Thank you all for your passion, generosity and commitment to serve.

About the Author: Trisa Thompson

Trisa Thompson is the Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Dell, with responsibility for Dell's global giving and sustainability. Previously at Dell, Trisa served as Vice President, Legal, for the Global Operations, Marketing and Product Groups, and was a member of the Legal Team for 12 years. She was the founding co-chair of the Women's Networking Group, W.I.S.E., at Dell, and also serves on the PRIDE Executive Board. She is also a member of the Global Giving and Sustainability Councils. Trisa joined Dell in June 1998 from the Washington, D.C. office of Seyfarth, Shaw. Trisa was a partner with Seyfarth in its Government Procurement Law practice. She specialized in federal, state, and local procurement law and litigation. She joined Seyfarth directly out of law school in 1986.
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