In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, Monument employees in Texas gave thanks that none of their homes or the site were impacted – and then began looking for ways to help others who weren’t as fortunate.

“Monument is a member of an HR networking organization made up of about 120 chemical companies along the Louisiana/Texas Gulf Coast, and we reached out to 58 companies impacted by the hurricane to see if we could assist in some way,” said Gloria O’Bannon, HSSE Coordinator for Monument. “When Honeywell responded that they had 100 employees in Orange, TX, still relying on generators for power, and were also having difficulty getting gas and struggling with bare grocery shelves, we knew we wanted to help them.”

The family-focused, community-oriented spirit is so deeply engrained in Monument’s culture that employees in the Houston, Bayport, and Baytown areas didn’t hesitate to step up and lend a hand – even though this meant giving up the chance to get a head start on the Labor Day holiday weekend. Upon receiving the call to aid folks impacted by the hurricane, Stacy Johnson, Houston area HSE Manager, quickly began securing resources and arranging manpower to put Project Honeywell into action, making sure utility trailers were available and stocked with tables, chairs, tents, and other supplies.

Plans to distribute non-perishable food kits, cases of water, gas, and serve a hot barbeque meal quickly came together. About 15 Monument employees and family members took part in the outreach effort, volunteering their time on a very hot day to travel to Orange, which is about 80 miles east of Houston. They began with a stop at a local gas station to fill 100 gas cans, where another customer was so impressed with the team’s initiative that he gave them $50 and asked that it be passed on to a family in need.

“Driving through the city, we saw numerous power trucks working to restore power and huge oak trees toppled on houses. However, we also saw a community coming together to restore their little town,” said Carolina Barrientos, HR Generalist. “It’s all about neighbors helping neighbors. From the gentleman at the gas station to the Honeywell employee who asked if we had any extra meal kits as her elderly neighbor would appreciate a loaf of bread, seeing people come together to help others and the appreciation for something as simple as a loaf of bread made all the sweat and effort involved worth it.”

Taking part in the outreach efforts had other benefits, too. “Although helping the community in Orange was our primary focus, the best part for me was to the chance to reconnect with colleagues in person to help battle the Teams/Zoom fatigue,” said Jeff Weeks, Business Development Manager.

With extra supplies on hand after serving Honeywell employees, the Monument team then made a very welcome visit to the Orange Sheriff’s Department – which happened to be without power at the time – to donate the remaining items to the officers and deputies before heading back home. They were hot and tired, but also inspired by the happiness that comes with knowing that they had distributed much-needed supplies to 125 very grateful families.

“Aside from being members of the networking association, Monument had no ties to Honeywell or anyone who worked at this location. We merely saw an opportunity to make someone’s day a little bit better and acted on it,” said Gloria. “I consider it a blessing to work for a company who values community outreach and is willing to go beyond their plant gates to assist others, and there’s nothing quite like seeing your work family put ideas into action.”