Greater Houston Disaster Alliance Launches New Efforts with $1.7 Million Investment
“The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance is a powerful example of what can happen when philanthropy, nonprofits, and the private sector come together around a shared strategy. Thanks to the continued support of our partners, we’re able to expand the infrastructure and coordination needed so our region is better prepared to respond today and in the future.”
Stephen Maislin, president and CEO of Greater Houston Community Foundation
The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance announced today it is expanding its capacity to serve as the community’s philanthropic disaster response leader by strengthening its data-driven, coordinated model. These efforts will enhance year-round preparedness and initiatives that accelerate disaster recovery and regional resilience. This expansion is supported by a $1.7 million investment from Enbridge, Phillips 66, JPMorganChase and Texas Mutual Insurance Company, reflecting both continued and new partner support that reinforces the importance of sustained, long-term commitment to building a more resilient future for our region. As founding lead sponsors since the Disaster Alliance launched in 2023, Enbridge and Phillips 66 continue their support, joined by new investments from JPMorganChase and Texas Mutual.
The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance is a philanthropic partnership of Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston, bringing together philanthropy, nonprofits, government and the private sector to strengthen disaster recovery across the region. Since its launch in 2023, the Disaster Alliance has directed $12.8 million in preparedness, recovery and resilience efforts. Following two major disasters in 2024, the Disaster Alliance distributed nearly $9 million in grants to 35 nonprofit partners, repairing 368 homes and providing emergency financial assistance to more than 12,000 individuals in 4,100 households. Building on lessons from these efforts and collaborative co-designing sessions with partners, the Disaster Alliance’s next phase will strengthen its coordinated, data-driven approach that prioritizes communities most impacted and historically under-resourced during and after disasters, ensuring support reaches those who need it most, when they need it most.
Looking ahead, the Disaster Alliance will prioritize expanding critical infrastructure and building long-term resilience across the region to ensure Houston is better prepared for future disasters. Key initiatives include:
- Strengthen Core Disaster Infrastructure: Sustain and continue to improve the region’s shared disaster response backbone—data systems and coordinated operations built in partnership with Connective and a network of 100+ trusted community partners—ensuring the region is always ready to respond quickly and in sync when disasters strike.
- Verizon Preparedness & Resilience Workshops: Expand inclusive, community-centered preparedness efforts through multilingual, culturally relevant education and outreach that reaches historically underserved populations.
- Transforming Disaster Data & Communications: Bring partners and community voices together to improve how disaster information is shared—strengthening coordination, transparency, and decision-making before, during, and after disasters. This project is supported by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
- Community Foundation Resilience Network: Advance regional and national resilience initiatives by leveraging strategic funding and cross-sector partnerships to pilot scalable solutions and inform long-term systems change.
- Hurricane Harvey 10-Year Retrospective: Lead the development of a landmark Hurricane Harvey retrospective assessing a decade of recovery and resilience to inform future investment and policy priorities.
“Disaster recovery is not just about the immediate response, it’s about building systems that continuously improve,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. “By strengthening coordination, measuring outcomes and investing in long-term resilience, we are helping ensure our region is better prepared for whatever comes next.”
Continued investment from long-standing partners underscores the effectiveness of the Disaster Alliance’s approach.
“Enbridge is proud to continue supporting the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance as it evolves and expands its impact in helping our neighbors,” said Greg Ebel, president and CEO, Enbridge Inc. “We have seen firsthand how this collaborative model strengthens response efforts and helps communities recover more quickly and effectively.”
“Phillips 66 is committed to supporting the long-term resilience of the communities we serve,” said Todd Denton, Senior Vice President of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Field Operations Support, Phillips 66. “The Disaster Alliance is delivering meaningful results, and we are proud to continue investing in its growth and success.”
New support from the Disaster Alliance’s lead sponsor, JPMorganChase, reflects growing recognition of the importance of coordinated, data-driven disaster recovery.
“At JPMorganChase, we believe strong, resilient communities are essential to economic opportunity,” said Kathleen Milazzo, Managing Director, Global Corporate Banking, and a member of the Houston Market Leadership Team, at JPMorganChase. “We are proud to invest in the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance and support an approach that is helping communities recover faster and build greater resilience for the future.”
With over 35 years of combined experience in leading disaster recovery efforts, the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance was formed by the two regional nonprofits to strengthen year-round disaster preparedness and ensure the Greater Houston area has the social service network and systems in place to respond rapidly and effectively in times of disaster.
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