HOUSTON – RaiseUp Families, a nonprofit organization based in Houston, has been a beacon of hope for families facing financial hardships since its establishment in 1994. The organization is 100% privately funded and focuses on providing financial assistance and support to parents of school-age children, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and stability.
The mission of RaiseUp Families is to stabilize parents from vulnerable communities who encounter unexpected financial crises, allowing their children to focus on education and secure a brighter future. The organization offers a range of services, including a rental assistance program, a self-sufficiency program, and a two-year after-care LevelUp program.
RaiseUp Families' signature HandUp program is a nine-month initiative that provides families with financial support for basic living expenses such as rent and utilities. The program is divided into three phases: Stabilization, Coaching, and Launch. Each phase is designed to help families reduce debt, improve income, and develop new habits that promote stability.
The organization has made a significant impact in the Greater Houston area, with over 800 families served since its inception. In 2024 alone, RaiseUp Families served 83 families in their HandUp program with a 91% graduation rate.
RaiseUp Families outcomes have shown up to a 50% median income increase for participants with 100% of the families' children able to stay in their same school, giving them the stability they need to learn and grow. The organization prides itself on its individualized care, offering services such as monthly budgeting meetings, counseling and career planning.
RaiseUp Families also encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities, partnerships, and events such as the Annual Graduation Luncheon and Career Development Panels. The organization invites individuals to join their Letters of Valuable Encouragement (L.O.V.E.) Program, where volunteers write monthly encouraging messages to families in the program.
For those interested in supporting RaiseUp Families, there are opportunities to volunteer, donate, or join board committees. The organization is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering families to achieve self-sufficiency and a better future for their children.
For more information, visit RaiseUp Families' website.
KPRC 2 and our Community partners at Energy Transfer, Houston Christian University and Exclusive Furniture are proud to feature local nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Houston area each month. RaiseUp Families is our KPRC 2 Community spotlight organization for March 2025.
