Two dealer groups are putting their money where their heart is with donations to help Texas flood victims and the homeless in Oregon.

Pohanka Automotive Group and its pending Honda dealership in Central Texas announced they have established the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and will match all public donations dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 to provide “immediate and meaningful aid” for the area’s recovery and rebuilding efforts from last month’s devastating floods.

The flooding killed at least 135 people, according to numerous reports, with property damage estimated at more than $1 billion.

In a news release, Pohanka said the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund will be administered in partnership with local organizations to ensure resources are distributed effectively and transparently.

The funds will be used to provide direct financial assistance for essential needs, including temporary housing, repairs for homes and businesses and the replacement of lost personal belongings.

Pohanka broke ground for its new dealership in Boerne, Texas, just north of San Antonio, June 18 — just two weeks before the flooding. Honda of Boerne is scheduled to open next summer.

“Soon Boerne will be our new hometown, and our thoughts are entirely with our neighbors in Kerr County who are grappling with the aftermath of these floods,” Pohanka community outreach manager Dani Hart said. “We believe in being a good neighbor, and we want to do our part to help.

“This fund is not just a financial commitment. It’s a promise that we stand with the community during this difficult time. We are matching donations to amplify the generosity of our community and ensure every dollar goes further to help those in need.”

Pohanka Automotive Group, founded in 1919 when Frank Pohanka began selling and servicing Chevrolets in Washington D.C., currently operates 21 locations in Virginia, Maryland and Texas. Honda of Boerne will be the group’s second store in Texas, joining Honda of Tomball in the Houston area.

Donations to the find are now being accepted here.

Swickard donates to Helping Hands to help Oregon’s homeless

Oregon-based Swickard Auto Group has donated $25,000 to Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide hope and care to those experiencing homelessness.

“We’re honored to support the important work of Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Center, whose team is helping individuals and families not only find shelter but also rebuild their lives with dignity and hope,” Swickard Group president and CEO Jeff Swickard said. “Their dedication inspires us. This donation is only possible because of the incredible employees and customers who make up our Swickard family — your loyalty and generosity allow us to give back in meaningful ways.”

The dealership group operates 55 locations in Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska and Hawaii.

Helping Hands operates seven Hope Centers in five Oregon counties, providing trauma-informed housing services, including safe emergency shelter and a long-term transitional housing program.

The organization said its “person-centered” approach helps remove barriers to sustainability by connecting people with resources for housing, food and employment, as well as providing support for recovery, job applications and life skills.

“Helping Hands has always been dedicated to supporting people on their journey from being unhoused to creating a sustainable life,” founder and president Alan Evans said. “People were there for me, and we will always be there for them. Support like this gift from Swickard Auto Group makes that possible, and we are blown away by their generosity.”