Together with city and county leaders, the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance has established a recovery fund to aid people severely affected by recent storms.
Between April 26 and May 17, severe storms, derecho winds, tornadoes, and flooding caused deaths, extensive damage, and power outages.
As a result of the Major Disaster Declaration approved by President Joe Biden on May 18, federal aid will be available to assist local recovery efforts. Grants will be awarded to nonprofits in Harris, Montgomery, and Waller counties by the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund. In addition to emergency financial support, these funds will provide access to essential resources for low-to-moderate-income families.
SEE ALSO: FEMA aid for Houston storm victims: Who can apply and how
The Fund will assist storm victims in Harris, Montgomery, and Waller counties, where data shows the highest needs.
You can find out more through the 211 HELPLINE.
211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is a 24/7 resource for information during times of disaster for people who need immediate assistance.
The United Way’s 211 line gives callers information about utilities, housing and rental assistance, crisis counseling, senior services, food pantries in their communities, and more.
If there are long wait times due to heavy call volume, 211 assistance can also be accessed through the following methods:
- Visit 211texas.org to search resources online or chat online with a specialist.
- Email help@unitedwayhouston.org for assistance.
“We are collaborating to tackle the needs of those impacted by the recent natural disasters that impacted our area. We will work closely with United Way of Greater Houston, Greater Houston Community Foundation and Harris County to recruit the resources necessary to assist with recovery efforts,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “The activation of the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund is an important component in overall recovery efforts, working to connect impacted families with the help they need to rebuild and recover.”
Early contributions to the fund include $500,000 from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation and a $500,000 donation from Comcast, split into a $250,000 cash donation and $250,000 in-kind.
“The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance was formed so that in times of crisis, there is a swift and efficient response to help those severely impacted begin the process of recovery,” said Stephen Maislin, president and CEO, Greater Houston Community Foundation. “When disaster strikes, it requires a collaborative and coordinated response from the nonprofit, for-profit, public sector and philanthropic community to ensure the most vulnerable in our region get the help they need to start the recovery and rebuilding process.”
As part of the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri response, United Way of Greater Houston and Greater Houston Community Foundation collaborated to address urgent community needs prior to establishing the Disaster Alliance in 2023.
“My heart goes out to all those affected by these devastating disasters. During times like these, the strength and unity of our community in Harris County becomes our greatest assets. There are ways that all residents in Harris County can support. For those willing and able to volunteer, you can call 713-533-3190 or visit volunteerhouston.org. If you can contribute financially, your donation to the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund is invaluable. This fund will help us distribute relief funds to local nonprofits quickly so they can start helping folks rebuild as soon as possible. Thank you to the United Way, the Greater Houston Community Foundation and all those who are helping us recover,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo.
The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance was formed to enhance year-round disaster preparedness for the Greater Houston area and make sure the social services network and systems are in place in case of a disaster so the area can respond promptly, equitably and effectively. Both organizations have led disaster recovery efforts for more than 35 years.
“Outside of times of disaster, we know that 14% of households in our region are struggling on income below the federal poverty line and 31% of households in our region are working hard but struggling to make ends meet. It’s these neighbors who are disproportionately impacted when disaster strikes,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. “This fund allows us to lift up the most vulnerable who have been impacted by recent weather events to ensure they can not only recover from the immediate crisis, but also prepare themselves for future disasters.”
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The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance is a joint initiative between the Greater Houston Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Houston.