Funds to support food, shelter, home repairs, and essential supplies for Houstonians in wake of recent storm

May 30, 2024 – HOUSTON – In response to the recent derecho that severely affected the Houston area, CITGO is donating $100,000 to support local disaster relief efforts. This contribution will be distributed among four local organizations: Houston Food Bank (HFB), Baker Ripley, Rebuilding Together Houston (RTH), and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The donations will provide immediate and long-term support to the affected communities, addressing urgent needs such as food, shelter, home repairs, and essential supplies.

“Our community has been hit hard by these storms, and it's our responsibility to step up and support our neighbors in their time of need," said CITGO Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Edgar Rincon. "These organizations are making a significant difference in the recovery efforts and bringing relief to those who have been affected, so we want to amplify their work as Houstonians rebuild."

On May 16, thunderstorms, hurricane-force winds, and a tornado tore through the city, reducing businesses and other structures to piles of debris, uprooting trees and shattering glass from downtown skyscrapers. The storm’s severity caused electricity loss to nearly one million Houston homes and businesses.

CITGO will donate $25,000 to each of the following nonprofit organizations:

  • Houston Food Bank plays a crucial role in providing emergency food assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. The donation will help Houston Food Bank replenish food through its disaster-response partners, providing assistance for neighbors who lost all their perishable food due to power outages caused by the recent storms.
  • Baker Ripley, with more than 55 locations across the Texas Gulf Coast Region, will use the donation to support its four community centers in providing refuge and ongoing holistic assistance to families. Additionally, funds will used to support critical programs like upcoming monthly food fairs, which are expected to see larger crowds.
  • Rebuilding Together Houston ensures the homes of veterans are safe and livable and will use the donation to help fund licensed contractors to perform disaster-related repairs for low-income homeowners affected by the storms, including roof replacements, structural stabilization, and repairs from water damage.
  • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will use the donation to provide gift cards as well as food, clothing, vouchers for temporary shelter and essential supplies to storm victims. Additionally, financial assistance will be available to families facing unexpected crises due to the storm's impact. CITGO is dedicated to supporting the community in times of need. Through strategic partnerships and generous donations, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by natural disasters and other crises.

For more information on CITGO’s commitment to community, please visit https://www.citgo.com/responsibility.

About CITGO
CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry and operates under the well-known CITGO brand. CITGO owns and operates three refineries located in Lake Charles, La.; Lemont, Ill.; and Corpus Christi, Texas, and wholly and/or jointly owns 42 active terminals, six pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,600 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 807,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO ranks as the fifth-largest and is one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products, and supplies a network of approximately 4,000 locally owned and independently operated branded retail outlets, all located east of the Rocky Mountains. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc.