HOUSTON, TX (Jan. 29, 2021) – United Way of Greater Houston today announced that, in preparing for the implementation of its new Second Century Vision, the major nonprofit is looking to expand its network of agency partners and create new funding opportunities for eligible nonprofit social service agencies in the Greater Houston region. United Way plans to share application details with nonprofits from the Greater Houston area during a virtual conference on April 6, 2021.
United Way’s Second Century Vision aims to create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive by providing access to services that support financial stability, early child and youth development, behavioral health, health care and basic needs assistance to meet their goals.
Guided by research and data, United Way’s Second Century Vision is focused on convening and investing in high-quality programs serving families and individuals who, despite working hard and even holding multiple jobs, struggle paycheck to paycheck, barely able to cover monthly necessities. These households are known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and according to the latest United Way ALICE Report, nearly one in two households (47 percent) in the Greater Houston area are just one emergency away from financial distress.
With so many households already struggling to afford the basics of housing, child care, food, transportation, technology and health care, the added burden of job loss and furloughs caused by COVID-19 has expanded the number and the urgency of those individuals and families experiencing financial crisis in our region. In 2020, the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE connected more than 1.4 million people with help for utilities, food, rent or mortgage relief, medical services and housing assistance.
As part of their expanded network, United Way will partner with and invest in nonprofits that serve the needs of financially struggling individuals and families in Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties. The non-profit partner selection and investment process will be guided by data that include the percentage of ALICE households in a service area, availability of services, and the concentration of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in a region.
“For many years, United Way has held the unique role of convening nonprofit and community partners to help those in our community find a pathway to greater financial stability by supporting physical and behavioral health care, early childhood education and youth development,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. “As we enter our second century of service, expanding our network of nonprofit partners will allow us to increase our impact across Greater Houston and support nonprofits who are making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.” McMillian added that United Way of Greater Houston continues to focus on serving communities of color who have been disproportionately impacted by gaps in services and opportunities.
Nonprofits interested in attending the United Way’s virtual conference to learn more about the application process can find more information at https://unitedwayhouston.org/scv/registration.
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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.