HOUSTON, TX (May 12, 2020) – As the local economy struggles through its second month of pandemic-related recession, the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund, a fundraising effort to help those hardest hit by the sudden loss of jobs and wages, has reached $13.8 million in donations. The generous response from corporations, foundations and individuals comes as the area’s most vulnerable families and individuals continue to struggle to afford urgent necessities.
In addition to two $1 million contributions from Arnold Ventures and The Brown Foundation, additional gifts have come from The Humana Foundation ($300,000); Calpine Corporation ($200,000); Chevron ($200,000); Burns & McDonald Foundation ($177,000); Ecolab, Inc. ($115,500); Mr. Carl W. Kuhnen, Jr. and Mrs. Linda Farrell Kuhnen ($100,000); and Mike and Laurel D’Antoni ($100,000). This new fundraising milestone also marks the fulfillment of a second $1 million challenge grant, which was provided by an anonymous Houston donor. The recovery fund continues to receive gifts of varying sizes from Houstonians concerned about the plight of their neighbors.
The Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund is a joint effort by United Way of Greater Houston and the Greater Houston Community Foundation to help those facing the most severe hardships recover from the unforeseen economic conditions created COVID-19. As the pandemic continues to limit access to work and wages, the lack of resources to obtain basic needs, including food, shelter, and other human necessities, continues to stress the most vulnerable in our community. More information on how to make a gift and how funds are used in the local community is available at GreaterHoustonRecovery.org.
To date, the fund has invested $2.3 million in more than 30 trusted nonprofit partners and grassroots organizations that support food insecure households, those who need emergency financial assistance, domestic violence survivors and the homeless population. A new, larger round of investments are being prepared by the fund task force to be distributed later this month. Funding decisions are made based on the most current data of emerging needs. The fund serves Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Waller counties.
Those who need assistance are encouraged to call the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, the community’s key 24/7 information source during times of disaster. United Way’s 211 provides callers with the most updated information on assistance with utilities, housing or rental assistance, crisis counseling, access to senior services, information on food pantries in the community and more. Assistance through 211 can also be accessed through the following methods in the event of long wait times due to periods of heavy call volume:
Visit 211texas.org to search resources online or chat online with a specialist
Email help@unitedwayhouston.org for assistance
To give to the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund visit www.GreaterHoustonRecovery.org or Text “WEHELP” to 41444.
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About United Way of Greater Houston
For nearly 100 years, United Way of Greater Houston has brought together diverse partners and approaches to address the complex challenges holding people back. We are a driving force for good that connects our neighbors with opportunities to thrive. We help our neighbors achieve financial stability. We provide services that support the physical and behavioral health of families and youth along with educational services that expand their skills and horizons. We provide a safety net that catches the most vulnerable. We manage every donation with care to make the greatest impact across the four-county region of Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties. We connect neighbors with help 24/7 through our 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE. For more information, please visit, http://unitedwayhouston.org.
About Greater Houston Community Foundation
Greater Houston Community Foundation, one of Houston’s largest grant makers and leaders in philanthropic impact, has served the greater Houston community for 25 years. The organization supports high profile community and donor initiatives with the most comprehensive philanthropic resources, expertise, and innovative platforms. Greater Houston Community Foundation is widely considered the go-to partner for high-profile philanthropic partnerships in the Greater Houston area, including major disaster relief initiatives, such as the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund as well as Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. Greater Houston Community Foundation leads collaborations that support the wellbeing and vitality of Houston, including Understanding Houston, in partnership with Rice Kinder Institute. The Foundation provides individuals, families, corporations, foundations, and advisors with the ability to expand their philanthropic impact. For more information, please visit, http://www.ghcf.org. ;