HOUSTON (Aug. 29, 2017) – Even as the flooding and evacuations continue in the Greater Houston area, donations to the United Way of Greater Houston Relief Fund are growing hour by hour from an outpouring of community support. Kinder Foundation, Anadarko, Houston Texans, NFL Foundation and the Lennar Foundation have each donated $1 million and ExxonMobil donated $500,000 to the United Way of Greater Houston Relief Fund to help those in our community most impacted by Hurricane Harvey’s devastating effects.
To give to the United Way Flood Relief Fund, visit unitedwayhouston.org/flood or text UWFLOOD to 41444.
United Way of Greater Houston established the fund in response to the widespread destruction caused by storm-related flooding. All monies raised by United Way’s Relief Fund will be used to help individuals and families with both immediate, basic needs and long-term recovery services such as case management and minor home repair.
“We have received donations of all sizes from individuals and companies and we thank everyone who has answered this urgent call for help in our community ---every gift counts,” said Anna M. Babin, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. “Our first priority is safety, shelter and basic needs for those who are most impacted by the storm. Once the community is stabilized, United Way will focus on long-term recovery efforts and we know those needs will be great.
Babin said United Way began receiving donations from throughout the community and around the nation as soon as the fund was announced.
“Rich and I are inspired by the way Houstonians support each other during a disaster. We have confidence our city will come through this challenge and will be even stronger,” states Nancy Kinder, president, Kinder Foundation. “We hope our gift will inspire others to join in the relief fund. We also want to acknowledge Mayor Turner, Judge Emmett and our state and federal leaders who have worked so hard to support Houston during this phenomenal weather event.”
Babin also noted that, in times of disaster, United Way serves as the convening organization to bring together non-profit and community partners, as well as civic and government stakeholders from across the Greater Houston area, to coordinate recovery efforts, both assessing the needs and providing support where it is needed most.
In addition, United Way operates 2-1-1 Texas / United Way HELPLINE which is the community’s key information source before, during and after a storm. United Way’s 2-1-1 is the one call for those impacted who don’t know where to call, providing the most updated information on shelters, basic needs assistance and, once the flood waters subside, long-term recovery support.