Grant turns fire-hazard trees into firewood for vulnerable residents

An effort in Houston to repurpose beetle-killed and other fire-hazard trees has evolved into a high-demand program that helps to keep local seniors, veterans, and disabled residents warm in the winter.

Initiated several years ago by U.S. Department of Forestry funding, the Firewood for Community program experienced rapid growth. In 2024, city officials were able to deliver 86 cords of split firewood to qualifying households while reducing wildfire risk in the area.

Melissa Sonnek, Houston’s public works director, called it a well-organized community service, combining environmental stewardship and community safety with compassionate outreach.

“This project reflects the heart of Houston: resourceful, collaborative, and committed to caring for one another,” she said.

A recent $50,000 grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation injected new vitality to the program. Rebranded as “Keeping Houston Safe and Warm” to reflect its broader mission, the initiative is helping Houston meet the growing demand in the community for winter firewood.

The grant funding covers the expenses of labor, equipment, and critical supplies like fuel and fluids necessary to clear the hazard trees and turn then into firewood. Houston wasted no time in putting the money to use.

On Oct. 16, the city council voted to approve the grant funds. Less than a week later, a Public Works crew was in action, clearing trees, processing them into firewood, and delivering it.

Within two weeks, 29 loads had been turned over to families in need.

“This is a testament to efficiency and output,” Sonnek said. “The Public Works Department and City of Houston staff play active roles in making this program successful.”

Demand continues to exceed supply, however. But Sonnek said a wait list remains in place to ensure that those most in need receive priority assistance.

“The City of Houston contributes coordination, equipment management, and oversight, ensuring the funds directly translate into community impact,” she said.

None of it would have been possible, Sonnek said, without the Mat-Su Health Foundation, which stepped in after the city was not chosen for highly competitive federal grant funding.

“The grant we received is essential to keeping this vital program alive,” she said. “Without it, the city would not have been able to run the program.”

The nonprofit Mat-Su Health Foundation has been making this kind of investment in the Valley since its inception in 2007, when it became part owner of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Since that time, the Health Foundation has returned more than $140 million to the community through scholarships, sponsorships, and grants to nonprofit organizations.

Moving forward, Sonnek said the city is exploring ways to expand the program further.

“While the City contributes resources and oversight, the grant transforms what would otherwise be a small effort into a coordinated and impactful program that reaches dozens of families,” she said. “The support of the Mat-Su Health Foundation exemplifies true community partnership and compassion. Thanks to them, Houston’s most vulnerable residents will stay warm this winter.”

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