Greater Houston Disaster Alliance launches recovery fund after severe weather

In response to the significant number of households affected by severe weather in recent weeks, the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, a joint effort of the Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston, has established the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund. This fund aims to assist those impacted by storms, derecho winds, tornadoes, and flooding events that occurred between April 26 and May 17, 2024.

On May 18, 2024, President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for these combined events impacting multiple counties, making federal assistance available to support local recovery efforts. All funds raised will complement these efforts and will be distributed as grants to nonprofit partners to provide low-to-moderate income families with emergency financial assistance, home repairs, and access to resources in Harris, Montgomery, and Waller counties.

The fund has received early support from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation ($500,000) and Comcast ($500,000), which includes 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 of 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.”

With over 35 years of combined experience leading disaster recovery efforts, the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance was created by two regional nonprofits to strengthen year-round disaster preparedness. The alliance ensures that the Greater Houston area has systems in place to respond rapidly and effectively during disasters. An initial investment from Enbridge and Phillips 66 focuses on maintaining year-round disaster preparedness.

“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% 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 of United Way of Greater Houston. “This fund allows us to lift up the most vulnerable who have been impacted by recent weather events.”

The Fund will serve residents of Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties based on data showing areas with high need. Those needing immediate assistance are encouraged to call the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE for updated information on utilities assistance housing or rental assistance crisis counseling access senior services food pantries information more.

“We are collaborating to tackle the needs of those impacted by recent natural disasters,” said Mayor John Whitmire. "The activation of this fund is an important component in overall recovery efforts."

Judge Lina Hidalgo added: “My heart goes out to all those affected by these devastating disasters. During times like these strength unity community Harris County greatest assets ways residents support volunteer contribute financially your donation invaluable help distribute relief funds local nonprofits quickly rebuild recover.”

For more information on how to donate visit www.disasteralliance.org/derecho.

About United Way of Greater Houston:

United Way connects people possibility unites donors volunteers community partners removes barriers financial stability programs focus financial stability early childhood youth development physical behavioral health care neighbors land feet stay supported foundation basic needs assistance escaping violence individualized approach includes Navigators guide accessing multiple services unique journey financial stability equity integral work program investments evaluated diversity equity inclusion belonging policies practices service delivery investments backed research ensured good stewardship deliver results more information visit www.unitedwayhouston.org.

About Greater Houston Community Foundation:

Since 1995 GHCF helped Houston thrive convening philanthropic resources knowledge drive philanthropy distributing over $2.2 billion grants recommended donors inception supports high profile community donor initiatives comprehensive philanthropic resources expertise innovative platforms widely considered go-to partner high-profile philanthropic partnerships major disaster relief initiatives Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund leads collaborations support wellbeing vitality Understanding Houston regional indicator initiative strategic research partner Rice Kinder Institute provides individuals families corporations foundations advisors expand philanthropic impact more information visit www.ghcf.org.