Resource Center
Why We Put Our People First
It’s human nature to reach out and help those who are victims of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey. People want to help in any way they can, be it through donations and volunteerism or as a Good Samaritan, like many Texans have done – coming to the aid of search and rescue teams. This instinct to help a neighbor in need illuminates the very best of the human spirit.Byline: BTB Editor
August 30, 2017 / Time to read: 5 minIt’s human nature to reach out and help those who are victims of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey. People want to help in any way they can, be it through donations and volunteerism or as a Good Samaritan, like many Texans have done – coming to the aid of search and rescue teams. This instinct to help a neighbor in need illuminates the very best of the human spirit.
Because of the nature of what we do — trash collection and disposal, debris removal, and hazardous waste solutions — we are uniquely positioned with the personnel, expertise and equipment to readily support response and recovery efforts when disasters strike.
In many respects, this makes us second responders. We mobilize on the heels of a storm to enable hospitals, nursing homes, utilities, gas stations, and grocery stores – any affected critical infrastructure – to restore normal operations. And we are there to help neighborhoods and businesses handle the difficult work of recovery, by cleaning up debris and rubbish or simply providing a shoulder to lean on — whatever is needed.
But sometimes, sadly, our employees become victims of the disaster themselves. Right now, throughout metro-Houston, and in other affected communities along the Gulf Coast, we have team members who are struggling as a result Harvey’s devastation. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of them, and their families, as well as the first responders who continue to perform heroic rescue operations.
This is where the rest of the Republic family —33,000 strong — steps in.
In a disaster like Hurricane Harvey, much of our initial effort is focused on ensuring that our people, and their families, are safe, secure and sheltered — not to mention in good supply of provisions, from food, water and clothing to toiletries and other necessities of life.
Republic employees from non-affected locations contribute generously to an employee relief fund that benefits affected team members, which is matched by the Company. Other teams of employees are mobilizing now to get to the affected area — first, to help our people get back on their feet and secondarily, to ready our trucks and operations.
Simply, we help our people first, because that’s who we are. We are a family. When one is up, we are all up. When one hurts, we all hurt.
Our people — drivers, technicians, operators and support teams — are the reason we are able to do what we do. Without them, we could not take care of our customers, or our communities.
So, when our people in a hard-hit area like Houston are good — and they know their families are taken care of — they can in-turn devote tremendous focus and energy to the job at hand.
Our people rally. Our trucks start rolling. Critical service resumes. And hope in a battered community builds.
