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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, RECOVERY, AND RESILIENCE
Before, During, and After Disaster, United Way is here
United Way of Greater Houston leads a community-wide approach to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. We strengthen partnerships and mobilize resources to provide rapid support to the hardest-hit communities. Our initiatives include year-round preparedness, disaster recovery funding, navigation services, and volunteer coordination.
The Greater Houston region frequently faces disasters like hurricanes and flooding, creating both vulnerability and resilience among its residents and nonprofits. United Way plays a vital role in every phase of disaster by strengthening preparedness and resilience, coordinating cross-sector responses, and supporting long-term recovery, ensuring individuals and families are better equipped for future crises.
In addition, our 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE provides critical information and resources before, during, and after disasters.
Greater Houston Disaster Alliance
In 2023, the Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston established the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance to enhance disaster recovery efforts. With initial investments from Enbridge and Phillips 66, the Disaster Alliance is catalyzing public-private partnerships, building resilience, and accelerating recovery for the region's most vulnerable residents.
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Long-Term Recovery Committees
In partnership with county Offices of Emergency Management, United Way co-leads four Long-Term Recovery, United Way leads and coordinates four Long-Term Recovery Committees, one for each county in our service area: Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Waller County.
These committees meet regularly to ensure preparedness for and readiness to respond to local disasters. They consist of nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and governmental agencies working together to create unified recovery plans that address the needs of our community.
• H-Town Recovers
• Fort Bend County Recovers
• Montgomery County Recovers
• Waller County Recovery Committee
United We Prepare Worskshops
We can’t predict the future, but we can be ready for it. United Way of Greater Houston, in collaboration with United Way Worldwide and supported by Verizon, is offering free Disaster Preparedness & Resilience Workshops. These events aim to equip residents, particularly in high-risk areas, with essential knowledge and resources to prepare for unexpected disasters.
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211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE
The 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is a free, 24/7 service connecting people with essential assistance, including utility and food support before, during, and after disasters. 211 is available in 350+ languages and offers referrals from a comprehensive database and responds to thousands of calls to assist families and veterans.
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United Way Strike Team
Thanks to the generous support of the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the United Way Strike Team was established to offer intensive, hands-on crisis intervention for individuals and families facing emergencies that require more than just traditional information and referral services.
The Strike Team acts as a permanent “boots on the ground” response unit for the United Way of Greater Houston, assisting neighbors in stabilizing during both large-scale disasters and personal crises.
Meet some of the people your support has helped:
After visiting the Kashmere Multi-Purpose Center for food assistance, Monica learned there would soon be a disaster preparedness clinic sponsored by Verizon and United Way of Greater Houston — and with her history, she knew she needed to be there. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Harvey, Beryl, and countless storms in between, Monica carries the trauma of past disasters with her. Even with all her experience, the clinic gave her new, practical information she had never encountered: preparing pets, keeping medications accessible, waterproofing important documents, and remembering the small items that become essential when chaos hits. She left with a go-bag, new tools, and a sense of readiness that eased some of her long-held anxiety. Most importantly, Monica said the clinic’s compassionate, judgment-free support strengthened not only her disaster plan, but also her confidence that her community will help guide her through whatever comes next.
When Hurricane Beryl tore through Greater Houston, it left Loretta's longtime home severely damaged. Alone during the storm, she heard the wind rip off her back door and fled, returning to a leaning porch, missing shingles, and a battered house. Through the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, backed by the Building Possibilities Campaign, a home repair team stepped in quickly, with funding provided and trusted partners like Katy Responds already in place. Crews replaced roofing and decking, stabilized the foundation, rebuilt the porch, and restored protective barriers, making the home safe and livable again. Today, Loretta can step safely onto her porch once more. With a sturdy roof overhead, her home stands restored as a place of comfort and stability.
The Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund helped homebound seniors John and his wife with home-delivered meals, food, and other assistance during the pandemic.
Linda had been a United Way donor for many years but never thought that she would need United Way’s help herself.
The February 2021 winter storm damaged Angela and Craig's home--and their progress.
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