In 2017, Michael and Susan Dell helped launch a Hurricane Harvey recovery fund; backed by their $42 million contribution, it helped repair or rebuild 3,740 homes over the following three years

When Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas coastline in August 2017, emergency aid reached communities hit by the storm. But as immediate relief efforts slowed, the need for long-term recovery became clear. Dell founder Michael Dell and his wife, Susan Dell helped launch the Rebuild Texas Fund with the OneStar Foundation to support rebuilding efforts across affected communities. The Dell Foundation contributed $42 million to the fund, which eventually raised more than $100 million from over 33,000 donors. Over the next three years, the fund backed hundreds of projects focused on helping Texans rebuild homes, restore businesses, access health services and recover essential community resources after the hurricane.How much did the Rebuild Texas Fund raiseThe Rebuild Texas Fund raised more than $100 million, with contributions from over 33,000 donors. According to the Dell organisation, every dollar went to organisations working in communities affected by Hurricane Harvey. The fund focused on four areas: health and housing, education and childcare, workforce and transportation, and small businesses.How many homes were rebuilt after Hurricane HarveyDuring the three years following the hurricane, the fund supported 290 projects across 41 counties and reached 2.1 million Texans as stated on the Dell Organisation website. Housing was a major part of the recovery effort. The fund helped repair or rebuild 3,740 homes, supporting families dealing with the long-term effects of the disaster.The programme also helped 265,842 people receive health services and provided essential materials to 3,724 teachers.How did the Dell fund help Texas businessesThe recovery effort also focused on helping local businesses return to normal operations. According to the Dell organisation, 1,411 businesses reopened with support from the fund.Other projects included equipping emergency medical services teams with lifesaving tools and restoring community facilities, including a Little League field.The Rebuild Texas Fund was created after Harvey to address needs that remained after the initial emergency response ended. Its three-year effort supported community-led projects aimed at helping affected areas rebuild and recover.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.