The Houston Hospitality Alliance (HHA) has donated $50,000 toward Hurricane Beryl relief efforts. The funds will benefit hospitality workers, owners, and operators in the Houston area whose businesses were disrupted by the storm. The organization gave $25,000 each to the Southern Smoke Foundation and LiftFund.
Coutesy of Houston Hospitality Alliance
The Houston Hospitality Association also donated $25,000 to LiftFund.
"As Houston's local hospitality trade association, the Houston Hospitality Alliance is acutely aware of the difficulties faced by the members of Houston's vibrant and diverse hospitality industry,” Houston Hospitality Alliance president Jonathan Horowitz said in a statement. “The recent weather events that hit our city have compounded existing financial difficulties for operators and their employees, and the HHA is doing everything it can to support those most impacted by these continuing challenges."
When Hurricane Beryl struck in July, Houston's restaurant and hospitality industry took a huge hit. Operators and their employees lost wages, faced power outages and property damage, and experienced revenue loss because of unexpected closures. HHA's contributions to both organizations will provide vital assistance to those who are still recovering.
The Southern Smoke Foundation provides emergency relief to those in the food and beverage industry facing crises. In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, the foundation's efforts are crucial in aiding hospitality professionals and their families who have been significantly impacted. Funds raised are provided directly to industry members who need financial support.
LiftFund, a nonprofit organization focused on small-business lending, specializes in empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses through financial resources and support services. HHA’s contribution will help fund 0 percent interest loans of up to $35,000 for business owners who need additional capital to recover from Houston’s recent weather emergencies.
Both organizations were grateful for the donations. LiftFund's president and CEO Amy Hereford said the money will help small businesses "not just recover but thrive. This partnership exemplifies the resilience of Houston's business community, and we are proud to help rebuild and strengthen our local economy."
“We are so grateful to our partners,” echoed Lindsey Brown, the Southern Smoke Foundation's executive director. “As of July 1, 2024, we’ve distributed more than $1 million in emergency relief grants to food and beverage workers in crisis nationwide. The generous support from our partners like the Houston Hospitality Alliance help us to be a safety net for such a fragile industry.”
As Houston's hospitality trade organization, HHA connects, educates, promotes, and advocates on behalf of Houston’s diverse hospitality and tourism businesses. It partners with and supports many other organizations involved in the Houston hospitality industry, including the Hotel Lodging Association of Greater Houston, the Texas Travel Alliance, the Southern Smoke Foundation, and the Greater Houston Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association.
