Whitestone's Generator Giveaway: Empowering Houston Homeowners with Resilient Energy Solutions

Empower(ed) to Power Up: Enhancing Energy Resilience for Houston Homeowners

In a bold move to support homeowners in Houston, Whitestone Developments, a subsidiary of Empower Community Development Corporation (Empower CDC), has introduced the "Empower(ed) to Power Up" Generator Giveaway. This initiative aims to fortify community resilience and ensure that families have access to reliable energy, especially during extreme weather events that have become increasingly frequent.

The project comes in collaboration with EcoFlow, a leader in eco-friendly energy solutions, and The Restoration Team (TRT), a dedicated community partner. The giveaway features state-of-the-art EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra systems, designed not only to serve as whole-home backup generators during power outages but also to support day-to-day energy needs. This initiative signifies a notable shift toward sustainable and resilient housing practices in the wake of past energy crises.

Learning from Recent Crises

This initiative is deeply rooted in lessons learned from previous outages that struck Houston during Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and Winter Storm Uri in February 2021. The latter event resulted in a statewide blackout, marking Houston's second significant power outage since Hurricane Alicia in 1983. In response to these events, Whitestone Developments, in partnership with Kimberly Lane Properties, took a pioneering step as the first developers in Texas to embed EcoFlow backup systems into every new home built. This innovative approach sets a benchmark for sustainable housing, illustrating a commitment to creating communities that can weather future storms.

Mission-Driven Purpose

Whitestone Developments operates with the mission of creating exceptional living spaces that inspire and enhance the quality of life for residents. By being a wholly owned subsidiary of Empower CDC, the organization is dedicated not just to building homes but to fostering vibrant communities. Their target audience primarily includes ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, but Employed) households, seniors, and those burdened by housing costs, providing them with quality housing and tools to thrive within their communities.

Will Merrick, CEO of Whitestone Developments and Empower CDC, expressed the urgency of this initiative: "Generators are not merely a luxury; they are a critical lifeline for our residents. With the increasing frequency of weather-related disruptions, we are honored to help homeowners equip themselves to prepare and remain secure."

Community-Centric Collaboration

Brian Essenmacher, Head of Business Development for EcoFlow in North America, shared the company’s commitment to community resilience. “Natural disasters can strike anyone at any time and we recognize the necessity for communities to stay resilient in these challenging times.” EcoFlow provides its DELTA Pro Ultra generators, capable of powering essential home components for up to three days, which is particularly beneficial for vulnerable communities.

This partnership is driven by EcoFlow’s mission to democratize access to renewable energy, particularly in areas prone to disasters, reinforcing the importance of community support and investment.

How to Participate in the Giveaway

The Empower(ed) to Power Up Generator Giveaway is currently open for eligible Houston homeowners. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply via Eventbrite by May 18, 2025, with the understanding that the number of generators is limited, making early application advisable. Notifications will be sent to selected recipients before the distribution event.

About the Partners

Whitestone Developments is steadfast in its goal to build sustainable communities through innovative solutions and homeowner education. Empower Community Development Corporation focuses on serving ALICE and senior residents, creating pathways to stable housing and economic mobility. EcoFlow stands at the forefront of clean energy innovation, providing sustainable solutions for households. TRT collaborates to enhance energy accessibility and bolster community resilience in underserved areas.

Through this initiative, Whitestone, Empower CDC, EcoFlow, and TRT are not just addressing energy needs; they are laying the groundwork for stronger, more resilient communities in Houston, showcasing how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful change. For further inquiries or to schedule interviews regarding this initiative, media representatives can reach out to Innovating Marketing Group.