Disaster Relief

Amid the sawdust and hum of power tools, students at East Columbus High School in Lake Waccamaw, N.C., are helping rebuild their community. Students built 50 wooden bed frames in their classroom workshop for Columbus County residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Matthew. The October 2016 storm started in Florida and moved up the coast, killing nearly 50 people and damaging more than 100,000 homes and businesses in North Carolina.

Many social enterprises focus on innovation of high-quality products designed to reach low-income customers. By the numbers, this bottom of the pyramid strategy to reach impact and market at scale seems to make sense – analysis of World Bank data from 2011 shows that 71% of the world’s population can be considered poor or low-income.

Thread is bringing transparency and fair treatment back into apparel by producing fabrics transformed from plastic bottles found in the streets of some of the poorest communities on the planet.

Global stressors — from water scarcity to modern-day slavery — are reinventing traditional business models across heavy industries that support a more secure, sustainable future. As one of the largest engineering, procurement and construction companies in the world, Bechtel is uniquely positioned to be part of this transformation.

When it comes to disaster relief, it's all hands on deck – and companies are stepping up in increasing numbers to provide donations, products and services to help those in need. Although some schools of thought may suggest steering clear of in-kind donations, with the right partner these donations can make all the difference on the ground. Now, two major companies are joining forces to deliver just the type of help needed in the wake of disaster.

Procter & Gamble and Whirlpool Corporation Europe, Middle East & Africa have teamed up to support communities hit by the earthquake in central Italy.

Rebuilding Together, a leading national nonprofit in safe and healthy housing that provides homeowners in need with critical home repairs, will host its annual National Rebuilding Month this April. Nearly 40,000 volunteers will serve in more than 1,600 affiliate-led rebuild projects across the country throughout National Rebuilding Month.