Rebuilding Together and Albertsons Companies Foundation Partner to Rebuild Communities Affected by Recent Wildfires and Hurricanes

WASHINGTON, February 7, 2018 - Rebuilding Together, the leading home and community revitalization national non-profit organization, today announced a $1.6 million donation from Albertsons Companies Foundation to support long-term recovery efforts for underserved residents affected by California wildfires and Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

“Thanks to the support of Albertsons Companies and Albertsons Companies Foundation, people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by these disasters will be able to return home sooner than expected,” said Caroline Blakely, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “Following natural disasters, Rebuilding Together and its affiliates work hand-in-hand with local community leaders and residents to rebuild homes and community centers. The rebuilding process typically takes place in the months and years following these tragedies. With this donation, we can move faster to get people’s lives back to normal.”

Customers and employees from Albertsons Companies’ family of stores — Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Tom Thumb, ACME Markets, Shaw’s, Star Market and many others — generously contributed to in-store fundraisers launched immediately after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma caused widespread destruction in August and September. They generously contributed again when wildfires destroyed more than 8,000 structures in California last October through December. Albertsons Companies also donated millions of dollars in Signature™ bottled water and ready-to-eat foods to help first responders meet the immediate needs of those who were displaced by the disasters.

“In the wake of tragedies like these, we know our employees, customers and the communities we serve are deeply affected – sometimes for years, as is the case with these recent natural disasters," said Christy Duncan Anderson, Executive Director of  Albertsons Companies Foundation. "The natural inclination in our country is to help others recover, so raising money [and donating products] to help with both short and long-term recovery efforts is [one of] our highest priorities. Through Rebuilding Together, we can ensure the funds will help our neighbors to start rebuilding their lives and neighborhoods."

Rebuilding Together supports communities affected by disasters by rebuilding homes and public spaces for residents in need. The organization also focuses its efforts on supporting residents by helping them preemptively prepare for disasters and aims to shift the narrative to ensure the long-term needs of communities affected are met in the months and years following a natural disaster.

Those interested in supporting Rebuilding Together's long-term recovery efforts can do so at rebuildingtogether.org/donate.