In response to growing needs in the Montgomery County community as a result of the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey, United Way of Greater Houston has invested nearly $500,000 from its Harvey relief fund with four Montgomery County agencies to help individuals and families affected by the storm with immediate, basic needs, unmet needs and case management services.
Agencies receiving this initial investment are Interfaith of the Woodlands, Crisis Assistance Center, Mission Northeast, Montgomery County Food Bank and BakerRipley and they are working in partnership with United Way to focus on immediate basic needs and case management. United Way of Greater Houston and Interfaith of the Woodlands co-lead MC Cares, the long-term recovery committee for Montgomery County comprised of governmental, faith-based and nonprofit partners who collaborate to coordinate the long-term recovery response for Montgomery County. United Way of Greater Houston’s investments align with MC Cares’ long-term recovery strategy focused on unmet needs, minor home repair and case management for Montgomery County residents affected by Harvey.
There are now three disaster case managers located at United Way of Greater Houston Montgomery County Center to provide assistance to individuals and families seeking help. Those impacted by Harvey are encouraged to meet with a case manager to develop a goal-oriented plan for recovery and to get assistance in identifying and accessing available resources. Appointments can be scheduled Monday through Friday by calling 281-210-0975.
“We know the damage from a storm of Harvey’s magnitude can be a major setback for many individuals and families and that the road to recovery can be daunting,” said Anna M. Babin, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. “United Way is committed to serving as a key resource for those impacted in Montgomery County during every step of this recovery process. We are working closely with other local non-profits, as well as government, business and volunteer leaders to coordinate the recovery effort and focus resources where they are needed the most.”
United Way of Greater Houston established the relief fund in response to the widespread destruction caused by Harvey. All of the money raised will be used to help individuals and families recover within the four-county United Way region. The funds will be used for a wide range of recovery needs, including help with critical unmet needs for which no other help is available.
United Way also operates the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, which is the community’s key information source before, during and after a storm. 2-1-1 is answered 24/7 and HELPLINE specialists access a comprehensive database of disaster resources that is continuously updated. To date, the 2-1-1 network has answered 260,000 calls for disaster assistance.