ExxonMobil and United Way of Greater Houston have announced support for the City of Houston’s Power Protection Initiative through funding for a backup generator at the Fonde Community Center in Third Ward, one of the city’s busiest climate-controlled facilities during recent disasters.

The donation will fund the purchase and installation of a generator designed to ensure the center remains operational during power outages and emergencies. Installation is expected to be completed by May 2027.

The Fonde Community Center has played a critical role during severe weather events by providing residents with a climate-controlled location when electricity outages and extreme temperatures create dangerous conditions. City officials say the generator will help maintain services during future disasters while supporting ongoing efforts to expand resources for residents experiencing homelessness.

To determine the location for the investment, United Way of Greater Houston analyzed data from 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE calls alongside findings from the organization's ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report. The analysis identified communities where residents faced some of the greatest challenges during and after recent disasters.

According to the data, households already struggling financially before disasters occurred generated the highest number of requests for disaster-related assistance. The findings helped guide the decision to place the generator at the Fonde Community Center, a facility that serves a high-need area of Houston.

The project is part of Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s Power Protection Initiative, which aims to install generators at 100 city facilities to improve emergency preparedness and ensure critical services remain available during power disruptions. City leaders have emphasized the need to strengthen resilience across public facilities following recent storms and extended power outages.

ExxonMobil said the investment reflects its commitment to supporting community resilience and disaster preparedness, while United Way highlighted the importance of providing residents with reliable locations where they can access resources and assistance during emergencies.

The partnership brings together the city, the nonprofit sector and private industry in an effort to strengthen Houston’s disaster response infrastructure and improve support for vulnerable residents during future crises.