HCC Interior Design students recovering from Hurricane Harvey receive supply donations from industry partners

Oct 23, 2017

Kevin Hamby, director of the Interior Design program at Houston Community College (HCC), knew many of his students took a devastating blow from Hurricane Harvey. Classes were about to begin and students, many of whom were displaced by the storm, were in need of supplies necessary for their coursework.

With help from interior design faculty members Shasta Beveridge and Jackie Barry, Hamby planned a nationwide supply drive for his students.

In coordination with the national office of the Interior Design Educators Council, they used social media and email to ask local and national industry partners and professionals for help. Within a matter of days, they started receiving donations.

Texas Art Supply and Barnes & Noble gift cards began arriving. Soon, college interior design programs from across the country were also donating drafting and art supplies. Those donors included West Virginia University, Texas Christian University, Iowa State University, Southern Illinois University, Texas Tech University, Stephen F. Austin University and Pensacola State College.  Monetary donations also made their way to the HCC Foundation to support the Interior Design program’s Disaster Relief Fund.

“It is a humbling feeling to receive support from people and schools from around the country that just want to help our students,” Hamby said. “I know as the students move forward with their education here at Houston Community College they will remember the thoughtful gesture of compassion that these colleagues made to help improve a desperate situation."

Supplies and textbooks are being distributed to HCC Interior Design students and will continue to be distributed throughout the semester. According to Hamby, HCC was able to assist approximately 25 percent of the interior design students.

“I lost everything, and I was very nervous about starting classes and getting all of my supplies,” shared an HCC student who wished to remain anonymous. “Thanks to Kevin and everyone who donated, I feel a sense of relief knowing that I can be successful in my interior design classes.”

Following the storm, HCC established Eagles Helping Eagles, a funding program for students struggling to recover from Hurricane Harvey. The program is managed through the HCC Financial Aid department and applications are still being accepted. To donate to the HCC Disaster Relief Fund, visit www.hccsfoundation.org/hcc-disaster-relief-fund.