Dow contributes to Flint water relief

April 4, 2016
“Dow understands the challenges the Flint community is facing, and is committed to providing both short- and long-term sustainable solutions through our businesses, global citizenship efforts and employee initiatives."

The Dow Chemical Co. reported last month that it's joined with Genesee County Habitat for Humanity and the United Way of Genesee County to support ongoing water relief efforts in Flint, Mich. Also, various Dow employee groups are offering support for their neighbors in need.

In partnership with the Genesee County Habitat for Humanity, Dow will offer and install free water filtration systems in all Habitat for Humanity homes in Flint, while Dow’s Water and Process Solutions (DW&PS) division will provide reverse osmosis (RO) technology for 150 filtration systems, and Michigan-based Dow employees and contractors will volunteer to install the systems.

Additionally, Dow’s contribution to the United Way of Genesee County will include a donation of up to $100,000 from its foundation, including a $50,000 contribution, and implementation of a Dow global employee matching gift program up to $50,000. These donations will provide immediate relief through the Flint Water Fund for emergency support services and prevention efforts, and are in addition to $10,000 donated in October 2015.

“Dow understands the challenges the Flint community is facing, and is committed to providing both short- and long-term sustainable solutions through our businesses, global citizenship efforts and employee initiatives,” says Andrew Liveris, Dow’s chairman and CEO. “These partnerships and initiatives demonstrate what's core to Dow’s culture—helping others and giving back to our neighbors in times of need, while working to provide innovative and sustainable business solutions to the Flint community for future generations.”

Also read: Where were the water treatment and quality experts before Flint's water disaster?

Besides these latest partnerships, Dow's employees offered support earlier in the water crisis. In February, Dow’s African American Network volunteered in Flint, assembled water test kits, distributed water and filtration equipment, and assisted with data entry following mobile distribution of water supplies.

Subsequently, Dow’s North American Logistics team partnered with its longstanding carrier, XPO Logistics, to transport donated supplies to Flint as part of a community-wide supply drive in Midland, which collected ready-made baby formula, baby wipes and bottled water.