With hurricane season approaching and forecasts projecting another active year in the Atlantic, Empower Community Development Corporation (CDC) is launching its 2026 Generator Giveaway to help Houston area families prepare before the next major storm season. The 2026 Hurricane season is scheduled to start June 1 st and run through November 30th , with the highest risk in August and September. In 2024, Hurricane Beryl left more than 2.7 million Texas households and businesses without power. Many families across Houston endured extended outages, coupled with extreme heat, and lost access to refrigeration, communication, and medical equipment for days or weeks.

Early projections for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season estimate approximately 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and up to four major hurricanes. Even a single storm tracking near Houston can result in widespread power loss and days of disruption. In response, Empower CDC’s 2026 Generator Giveaway will provide both a home backup system and portable power units to selected families. Additional recipients will receive compact portable power units capable of charging phones, laptops, lighting, and other small electronics.

Families Most Impacted by Power Outages

When power fails, the consequences are not equal across households. Seniors who rely on medical devices, families storing temperature-sensitive medications, and households with young children are often impacted the most. Food spoilage, limited communication, and unsafe indoor temperatures can create dangerous conditions over an extended period.

For many ALICE and cost-burdened households, purchasing a generator is financially out of reach. This initiative is designed to close that gap by placing preparedness tools directly in families' hands before the next emergency.

Last year, Ms. Johnson was selected as a recipient of a backup generator through the Empower CDC program. “In a social media post following her installation, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude and shared how relieved she felt knowing her home was now prepared for outages, no more stress about losing power or spoiled groceries.”

“Storm activity along the Gulf Coast is a reality we must plan for,” said Will Merrick, CEO of Whitestone Developments and Empower CDC. “This program is about making sure families have access to backup power and are not left without options when outages happen.”

How to Apply

The Empower(ed) to Power Up: Generator Giveaway is open to eligible homeowners in the Greater Houston area. Interested applicants must apply via Eventbrite: Click Here

* Deadline to apply: June 22, 2026

About the Partners

Whitestone Developments is committed to fostering sustainable communities through innovative real estate solutions and homeowner education initiatives.

Empower Community Development Corporation (Empower CDC) is a Houston-based nonprofit that serves ALICE and senior residents by creating access to stable housing and economic mobility.

TRT is a valued partner in advancing equitable energy and community-focused solutions, collaborating on initiatives that increase access and improve resilience in underserved areas.

For media inquiries, or to schedule an interview with Will Merrick for both in-person and Zoom interviews, please contact Innovating Marketing Group at info@innovatingmarketinggroup.com or call 346-980-9062.

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Media Contact:

Contact: LaToya Hurley 

Email: info@innovatingmarketinggroup.com

Phone: 346-980-9062

Website: Innovating Marketing Group