Ford Outlines Hurricane Milton And Helene Relief Efforts

With a pair of destructive hurricanes – Milton and Helene – striking different parts of the southeastern portion of the U.S. recently, Ford wasted no time springing into action and providing help for those affected by these devastating storms. While both Ford Credit and Lincoln Automotive Financial Services are offering customers deferred payments as is typical in this case, Ford also teamed up with Team Rubicon to form and execute a disaster plan with volunteers from its own ranks, and Ford Philanthropy launched a matching donation program, too. Now, the automaker has revealed the full scope of its relief efforts.

Ford Philanthropy has a history of awarding grants to national and local disaster relief partners over the years and is currently matching donations to three of the company’s partners – Team Rubicon, the American Red Cross, and Feeding America – providing an additional $600,000 in support. Additionally, Team Rubicon – a veteran-led humanitarian organization that provides disaster relief before, during, and after crises – has already deployed operations in Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, and Ford Philanthropy is contributing to that cause by matching donations up to $100,000 – in addition to Ford’s $5.8 million, five-year commitment to Team Rubicon that includes vehicle donations.

Additionally, Ford dealers in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas have created dedicated fleets of loaner vehicles to ensure Team Rubicon has the resources necessary to assist local communities, most of which are equipped with Pro Power Onboard to support power outages, power equipment, and keep perishable food cold. To ensure its workers have time to help out, the automaker has extended its Volunteer Paid Time Off policy from 16 hours to 56 hours, too.

In addition to donating to the aforementioned charities, Ford Philanthropy has also provided grants to the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, United Way of Citrus County Florida, United Way of East Tennessee Highlands, and Habitat for Humanity International, which aim to help address immediate local needs in severely impacted areas.