At Geneverse, we believe in helping communities prepare themselves for emergencies, helping equip our customers with products that help them weather the storm when it comes to anything life throws at them. However, we also put our efforts and expertise into helping individuals and organizations that are making a difference.

West Street Recovery has been using Geneverse solar generators and solar panels via grant assistance – the grant they received was namedPowered for the Good. 

West Street Recovery’s carries the mission of connecting communities to vital resources needed to rebuild communities after climate disasters (for example, Hurricane Harvey). They take their mission a step further and aim to help build communities that are more resilient, secure, and stronger than before.

Read on for our interview with West Street Recovery to learn more about this particular story.

How did you hear about Geneverse?

We received the Geneverse batteries and solar panels through a grant we applied for with the Harris County Long Term Recovery Committee and run by HARC. The grant is called Powered for Good.

Tell us more about your organization.

West Street Recovery is a grassroots disaster recovery organization rooted in racial and environmental justice, community care, direct action, and which is oriented towards building collective power.

West Street Recovery works towards a just recovery by:

• Providing material support to recover from disasters by directly repairing homes and distributing cash assistance to neighborhoods excluded from other forms of aid.
• Increasing resilience and preparedness in communities on the frontline of the climate crisis.
• Building community power to achieve structural change through organizing, mutual aid, popular education, and coalition building.
• Fighting for structural changes in disaster recovery systems beyond the scope of our own programs. 

WSR uses the disaster recovery process to shift the distribution of material resources and decision-making capacity away from centers of power into our own communities. A truly just recovery requires long-term structural change — drainage infrastructure and flood mitigation, community resilience, climate action, affordable housing, and racial and economic justice. 

How has your experience been with educating those in need of disaster preparedness? Well received, not new news, or a big learning curve?

And more, how was the experience educating those in need how to use the solar generators & backup batteries?

The residents we work alongside already have a high understanding of the need for disaster preparedness because of having flooded before and experienced disasters firsthand. Usually the barrier is due to lack of financial and material resources to actually act on that understanding. 

Particularly after the widespread power outages in Texas during Winter Storm Uri, many residents want to learn about alternative power sources but generators and batteries may be too expensive. As an organization, we try to provide those resources directly, along with training on how to safely and effectively operate the equipment. 

The experience of teaching how to use the solar generators and batteries was very easy. The design was very intuitive and easy for people to learn.

How can others get involved and help support your efforts?

We encourage individuals and organizations with the resources to start disaster preparedness initiatives in their own communities, such as resilience hubs, distributing disaster bags or even just making sure to connect with neighbors beforehand about a disaster response plan. 

They can reach out to us atconnect@weststreetrecovery.org for more information on how to start their own disaster hubs or build a disaster bag. Moreover, disasters are not just an individual or community level, but a structural issue that is deeply connected with government's lack of action on climate change, flood mitigation infrastructure, and equitable disaster response programs. Addressing these issues requires collective advocacy and organizing for change. 

Geneverse: Helping Individuals and Entire Communities

It was great to hear from West Street Recovery. One of the best things about what we do is hearing about the relief it provides real people both in real times of emergency crisis as well as during times of prosperity.

One quick and simple way to start your own disaster preparedness initiative is to invest in a Geneverse solar generator. During times of emergency and everyday life, our products provide power for devices, appliances, and crucial medical equipment.

When it comes down to it, life keeps going, no matter what disaster strikes. Geneverse can help you stay on top of your life and take care of your friends, family, and loved ones, no matter what happens now or down the road.

About Geneverse: Geneverse (formerly Generark) is the most reliable source of emergency backup power for your home and community. From the HomePower ONE power station providing portable access to electricity, to the SolarPower ONE as a source for recharging, never be disconnected from what matters most to you. Choose the size of Solar Generator perfect for you and your family. Learn more about how Geneverse and its industry-leading 5-year limited warranty can bring protection and security to your family on our website. Never face a power outage alone with a backup battery generator and solar panel from Geneverse.