Housing Authority Insurance Group cares about its members.

When Hurricane Ike hit Galveston, Texas on Sept. 13, it was quickly ascertained that HAI Group was not the Gavleston Housing Authority's insurer for this type of peril. At the same time, it was immediately evident the company had to help because of its longstanding relationship with the housing authority.

Once the hurricane ended, Galveston Housing Authority Executive Director Harish Krishnarao and his staff joined countless aid workers in assessing the damage. All five of the city’s housing projects were condemned and the housing authority offices were practically destroyed. In his search to gain perspective on how best to rebuild properties and his housing authority operation, Krishnarao called on a vast network of helpers. On his list of calls was HAI Group Vice President for Marketing and Agency Operations Ed Malaspina.

When he called, Krishnarao was not looking for a handout. He knew that HAI Group was not his insurer for this disaster. He simply wanted to help residents return to their normal lives as quickly as possible, and help his staff get back to work, so he called for advice.

Fortunately, that conversation proved fruitful. The HAI Group Board of Directors voted to mail $10,000 worth of $20 Wal-Mart gift cards to the Galveston Housing Authority. Additionally, 12 desktop computers with monitors, keyboards, and supplies were sent to Krishnarao's office to replace those lost in the flood.

Malaspina says that Krishnarao called him when the computers were delivered and expressed sincere thanks to the entire company for responding so quickly and generously.