Dallas-Based Stream Energy Creates Stream Cares For Philanthropy

When Hurricane Harvey dropped as much as 56 inches of rain across Houston neighborhoods, companies both in the United States and beyond watched helplessly as the area flooded and Americans lost their lives, their homes, and even their pets.

But one Dallas company in particular, Stream, used money earned from its deeply successful energy sales business to be one of the first to fund the recovery, as well as ease the financial burden of its very own customers.

For Stream, corporate philanthropy is part of the company's DNA. The direct-selling energy company recently launched its charity foundation, "Stream Cares", to formalize its ongoing philanthropy throughout Texas and all over the country, something the company has engaged in for more than a dozen years.

But in the case of Hurricane Harvey in particular, the energy sales and connected living company showed itself to be a textbook example of how Dallas corporations are leveraging charity and philanthropy and seeing it as a major, essential part of their brand - and using more than money to give back.

As a corporation or business, launching a separate philanthropy arm is a relatively new phenomenon. It offers dual advantages. The company gets to give back to the community, while simultaneously earning the respect and loyalty of potential clients and the public.

Corporate giving is typically high-profile and extensively publicized. It is indeed altruistic, but to the practical C-level executive, it's a helpful buffer when scandals hit, profits fall, and hard times lead to layoffs.

From a statistics standpoint, corporate America is extraordinarily generous. In 2016, businesses gave almost $19 billion to numerous charities in America and abroad. But that doesn't count corporate sponsorships, cause marketing, and the donations of time, money and effort by individual employees to the causes of their choice.

For Dallas-based Stream, which has built up long-term relationships with Habitat for Humanity and the Red Cross, employees and corporate leadership also drive local, grassroots giving. Here's how the company's workers help bolster Stream's philanthropic track record.

Stream's business model is simple. Through direct energy selling, Stream pays its associates to build up a network of loyal clients and deliver a variety of services and products, from fixed-rate energy to mobile phone plans. The company provides both residential and corporate services, from discounted clean energy to telemedicine and virtual doctors.

Successful Stream associates earn commission based on those sales, working essentially as individual entrepreneurs and business owners. They also choose and support causes as generous, passionate individuals.

One particular cause Stream associates care deeply about is homelessness. Both the company and employees routinely track how many people are homeless in Dallas alone, noting the devastating 24% increase in homelessness in the Big D as a powerful engine to giving.

So, how did Stream play a unique role in helping tackle the Dallas homeless problem? Through Hope.

Dallas-based Hope Supply Co. is one particular passion project for Stream. Partnering with Hope Supply Co., Stream and its associates covered entrance and meal costs for over 1,000 North Texas homeless children at the annual Splash for Hope.

This event, which brings homeless children -- many for the first time -- to a local water park, allows Stream employees and leadership to deliver an experience of a lifetime, as well as money and supplies.

Hope Supply Co. routinely provides diapers, clothing, school supplies and more for homeless children, and Stream has worked directly with the charity for more than four years.

Another example? Stream's rapid response to aid Texas tornado victims in 2016. When a number of tornadoes touched down in North Texas the day after Christmas, Stream and its employees sprung into action. Working directly with the Salvation Army, Stream associates raised thousands of dollars for those in North Texas who lost their homes and businesses. Stream, as a direct selling company and provider of essential services, matched those funds, doubling the donations brought in by associates.

Stream associates are also big fans of meeting the people they serve.

With Operation Once in a Lifetime, Stream helped provide both moral and financial support to Dallas-area veterans and their families. Rather than just write a check, Stream donated transportation to less fortunate military veterans and their loved ones, so they could enjoy a special December lunch of ribs, burgers, steaks and more at a lauded Texas restaurant.

The following day, Stream co-hosted the American Girl Doll Experience for 10 daughters of military members. At the event, Stream associates gave essential support as 10 young girls each chose an American Girl doll, and later ate lunch at the American Girl Cafe. Stream, as a company, paid for all expenses.

According to Kimberly Girard, now Stream's senior event manager, the company enjoys changing the lives of so many people.

"We're an organization with heart, and we plan to consistently identify new and strategic ways to give back -- especially ways that tie in with the efforts of our associates," she said.

Texas, as a whole, needs this. On a broader level, Texas is one of the least generous states in America, according to the site WalletHub. States like Utah, Minnesota and Virginia both give and volunteer more.

But Stream Energy is playing a distinct role in trying to lift both Dallas and Texas up through the ranks, using a powerful combination of associate passion, corporate generosity, and a devotion to helping those less fortunate. For Stream associates and leadership, philanthropy is just another day at the office.