Handling Natural Disasters: A Case Study of Preferred Corporate Housing's Expertise

When Hurricane Katrina was on the horizon, set to make landfall on August 29, 2005, Preferred Corporate Housing (PCH) was already ahead of the game. Understanding the impending need for emergency housing, PCH mobilized its team and set up a detailed housing analysis for current and future clients. A command center, aptly named the "Ready Room," was established to track housing availability in real-time and analyze data along the Gulf Coast.

As the hurricane struck and the levees in New Orleans breached, the immediate housing crisis became apparent. The team at PCH swiftly expanded their search radius, securing housing in Baton Rouge, LA, Gulfport, MS, and Mobile, AL. The Ready Room buzzed with activity as staff made rapid adjustments to their inventory, compiled quotes, and updated clients.

This proactive approach placed PCH at the center of housing availability, becoming a vital resource for small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and even other corporate housing providers. Among these clients was Dominion Exploration Inc., a major provider of electricity and natural gas, whose Louisiana office was located directly across from the Superdome in New Orleans. With their office severely damaged and employees forced to evacuate, Dominion faced an urgent need to find housing for 325-350 displaced families.

Dominion's initial calls to several national housing providers resulted in dead ends, but a referral from American Express Travel led them to PCH. After several after-hours consultations, it was decided that Houston, TX, would be the best relocation site for Dominion's employees, their families, and even their pets.

The logistical challenge was immense. PCH quickly mobilized a logistics team to locate and secure housing for 325 families across Houston, Spring, Richmond, The Woodlands, and Katy, TX. The team worked tirelessly, securing leases at 21 different apartment communities and several single-family homes. Contract specialists drove hundreds of miles to negotiate and sign lease agreements, ensuring all was ready for the families' arrival.

The housewares challenge was no less daunting. Over 30,000 household items, including 2,000 sets of sheets and 7,800 towels, had to be sourced, assembled, and distributed. PCH's initial stock was quickly exhausted, prompting a nationwide search for additional supplies. Employees worked around the clock to receive and distribute items as they arrived, ensuring each apartment was fully stocked and ready for its new occupants.

Utility setup was another hurdle. Coordinating electric, phone, cable, water, and gas services across multiple locations required leveraging PCH's national account status to expedite connections. With most rental furniture in the region already leased, PCH decided to purchase $2.1 million worth of furniture to meet the demand, partnering with Gallery Furniture for swift delivery and setup.

In the end, Dominion's displaced employees found comfort and stability in their new homes. The fully stocked apartments provided a much-needed sense of normalcy, allowing children to start school immediately and families to plan their next steps. Dominion Exploration's partnership with PCH ensured their disaster relief plan was effective, providing seamless housing solutions amid the chaos.

Recognizing the lessons learned from Katrina, PCH developed the Preferred Placement Program, offering registered companies priority access to available housing after a disaster. This program, along with PCH's emphasis on including non-hotel housing options in disaster relief plans, highlights their commitment to proactive disaster planning.

Preferred Corporate Housing's response to Hurricane Katrina showcases their unmatched expertise in disaster response, logistical coordination, and client support. Through meticulous planning and unwavering dedication, PCH provided essential stability and support to families and organizations during one of the nation's most challenging times.

Preferred Corporate Housing's expertise in disaster response, logistical coordination, and client support underscores its capability to manage large-scale housing needs during natural disasters. Our proactive planning and comprehensive service model provide essential stability and support for displaced individuals and organizations during critical times.

Since Hurricane Katrina, Preferred Corporate Housing (PCH) has provided lodging and recovery services for over 60 natural and man-made disasters, including wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and even gas line explosions. Our extensive experience in disaster relief housing is exemplified by our response to Hurricane Katrina, but this case study represents just one of the many successes we've had in helping people rebuild their lives. PCH's comprehensive and compassionate approach has consistently delivered stability and support during some of the most challenging times, ensuring that our clients can focus on recovery while we handle the logistics.