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Howard’s, Southern California’s premier independent appliance retailer, is celebrating nine years of supporting the critical work of Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM). The retailer has assisted the organization’s efforts to make an impact in the community by providing appliances for various of the Rescue Mission’s 12 campuses located throughout Orange County. The appliances, used to equip housing for formerly homeless men, women, families, and veterans, help OCRM in their mission to provide clients with a place to call home.
During 2013 the employees elected to donate washers and dryers to the House of Hope, OCRM’s transitional housing program for formerly homeless women and their children. This contribution kicked off the relationship that endures nine years later. In that time, Howard’s has contributed to several other OCRM programs, as needed.
John Riddle was appointed Howard’s president & CEO in 2019. One of his first acts was to take his new team to personally visit the Tustin Veteran’s Outpost to determine the appliance needs for the campus’ expansion. Howard’s ultimately contributed complete kitchen suites, washing machines, dryers and TVs to the new apartments, helping those who have sacrificed so much to get back on their feet.
“Investing in and serving the local community has always been central to Howard’s commitment to our neighbors and customers,” said Riddle. “The men and women who are served by OCRM have worked and are working so hard to change their lives and to improve their situations. While it is our pleasure, we believe it is also our responsibility to give back to those in need and contribute to the betterment of our those around us.”
Howard’s has continued to work closely with OCRM throughout the pandemic and as the organization has maintained growth in its outreach work. The retailer has proudly donated new appliances to Hope Harbor, the two homes providing transitional and long-term housing and care for at-risk teens; Hope Family Housing, the affordable independent living housing option for formerly homeless singles and families; and the House of Hope.
“We are sincerely grateful to Howard’s for its ongoing support of Orange County Rescue Mission’s goal to end homelessness,” said Dr. James Palmer III, President & CEO, Orange County Rescue Mission. “The generosity they have shown has contributed to our ability to change the lives of thousands of people in the county. We are so grateful to John Riddle and Howard’s for being a great neighbor!”
In 1976 Howard’s transferred half of the company to its employees, and in 2000 they received full ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). With that ownership, employees were given ultimate decision-making power for organizational donations. All contributions, like those to OCRM, are carefully reviewed and agreed upon by Howard’s employee-owners to bring the greatest benefit to the retailer’s neighbors and community. For more information about Howard’s appliances, TVs, and mattresses, please visit howards.com.
