Lake Charles, LA— Following the resounding success of the inaugural year of the Strong Homes Initiative, CITGO Petroleum Corporation is proud to announce a renewed commitment to disaster preparedness in Southwest Louisiana. For the upcoming 2025 hurricane season, CITGO has generously donated an additional $25,000 to United Way Southwest Louisiana, further supporting critical tree trimming services for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and low-income working families.
Last year, the Strong Homes Initiative significantly impacted the community, providing vital tree-trimming and branch removal services to many households at risk of storm-related damage. With CITGO's first contribution of $50,000, the program reached families in Calcasieu Parish, ensuring their homes were better protected against storm threats. The Initiative helped mitigate property damage and offered peace of mind to homeowners as they prepared for hurricane season.
"Thanks to the generous support from CITGO, we made a measurable difference in the lives of families throughout our community last year," said Denise Durel, President and CEO of United Way Southwest Louisiana. "This renewed funding will allow us to extend our reach and assist even more homeowners in safeguarding their properties as we face another hurricane season."
The Strong Homes Initiative anticipates expanding its services to help even more families this year. The program will work on a first-come, first-served basis and aims to provide more homeowners with the ability to remove dangerous branches and trim trees that could lead to significant damage during storms.
Eligible households will once again be able to apply for assistance based on specific criteria, including homeownership verification by the Calcasieu Parish Assessor’s Office, residency location, and income level at or below the ALICE Threshold. A licensed vendor will trim the tree to ensure safety and compliance with best practices.
"This partnership exemplifies our commitment to community resilience," added Durel. "By strengthening our homes, we protect our families and work towards a safer collective future."
“At CITGO, we believe in strengthening the foundation of our communities by supporting Initiatives that make everyday living more secure and resilient. Through our continued partnership with United Way Southwest Louisiana, we’re proud to help families take proactive steps that contribute to a stronger, more prepared region as we head into hurricane season,” explained Sterling Neblett, CITGO Petroleum Corporation Vice President & General Manager.
CITGO Petroleum Corporation’s continued support reflects its dedication to corporate social responsibility and community safety. With the 2025 hurricane season on the horizon, the Strong Homes Initiative is more crucial than ever.
For more eligibility information and how to apply for assistance, homeowners are encouraged to visit unitedwayswla.org/stronghomes.
**Application Criteria:**
- Applicant must be the homeowner as verified by the Calcasieu Parish Assessor's Office.
- Home must be in Calcasieu Parish.
- The homeowner must inhabit the home year-round.
- Households must live at or below the ALICE Threshold.
- Work must be preventative.