Greater Houston Disaster Alliance launches recovery fund for those affected by severe weather and derecho | City government

HOUSTON – 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 the United Way of Greater Houston, created the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund to help these. affected by severe storms, derecho winds, tornadoes and flooding 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 affecting multiple counties, making federal assistance available to support local recovery efforts. All funds raised will supplement these efforts and be distributed as grants to nonprofit partners to provide low-to-moderate income families with emergency financial assistance, home repairs, and assistance in accessing resource services in Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties.

The fund received early support from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation ($500,000) and a $500,000 contribution from Comcast, which will be split into a $250,000 cash and $250,000 in-kind donation.

“The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance was created so that in times of crisis, there would be a quick and effective response to help those severely impacted begin the recovery process,” said Stephen Maislin, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance. Greater Houston Community Foundation. “When disaster strikes, a collaborative and coordinated response from the nonprofit, for-profit, public sector and philanthropic community is necessary to ensure that our region’s most vulnerable receive the assistance they need. they need to start the process of recovery and reconstruction.

With more than 35 years of combined experience leading disaster recovery efforts, the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance was created by the two regional nonprofits to strengthen overall disaster preparedness year-round and ensure the Greater Houston area has the social service network and systems in place to respond quickly. , fairly and efficiently in the event of a disaster. With an initial investment from Enbridge and Phillips 66, the Disaster Alliance is focused on maintaining and strengthening disaster preparedness and recovery throughout the year.

“Outside of times of disaster, we know that 14% of households in our region struggle to earn an income below the federal poverty level and 31% of households in our region work hard but struggle to make both ends meet. ends. These are the 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 support the most vulnerable people who have been affected by recent weather events to ensure they can not only recover from the immediate crisis, but also prepare for future disasters. »

Based on data showing areas of high need, the Fund will serve residents of Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties who were impacted by severe weather.

Those needing immediate assistance are encouraged to call the Texas/United Way 211 HELPLINE, the community’s primary source of 24/7 disaster information. United Way’s 211 provides callers with the most up-to-date information on utility assistance, housing or rent assistance, crisis counseling, access to senior services, child care information -community eating and more. 211 assistance is also available via the following methods in the event of long wait times due to periods of high call volume:

• Visit 211texas.org to find online resources or chat online with an expert.
• Email [email protected] for assistance.

“We are working together to meet the needs of those affected by recent natural disasters in our region. We will work closely with the United Way of Greater Houston, the Greater Houston Community Foundation and Harris County to recruit the necessary resources to assist in the recovery efforts,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “Activating the Severe Weather Recovery Fund and Derecho is an important part of overall recovery efforts, aimed at connecting affected families with the help they need to rebuild and recover.

Leading up to the Disaster Alliance’s launch in 2023, the Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston worked with city and county leaders to address urgent community needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the winter storm Uri.

“My heart goes out to all those affected by these devastating disasters. In times like these, the strength and unity of our Harris County community becomes our greatest asset. There are ways all Harris County residents can support. For those who are 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 quickly distribute relief funds to local nonprofits so they can begin helping people rebuild as quickly as possible. Thank you to the United Way, the Greater Houston Community Foundation and everyone who is helping us recover,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo.

For more information about the Severe Weather Relief Fund and Derecho and how to donate, visit www.disasteralliance.org/derecho.