Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund Grows to $1.92 Million to Help Those Impacted by Recent Storms

HOUSTON, TX (May 29, 2024) – As clean-up and home repairs continue in the aftermath of severe weather that impacted the region in recent weeks, generous companies and individuals continue to donate to the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance’s Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund to help area neighbors who are struggling to recover. The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance is a philanthropic partnership between Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston. Since launching the fund on May 22, 2024, the Disaster Alliance has raised more than $1.92 million, with recent commitments from Wells Fargo ($250,000), ConocoPhillips ($200,000), ExxonMobil ($200,000), Bank of America ($100,000), bp Foundation ($100,000), Powell Foundation ($100,000), Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund ($50,000), Port Houston ($50,000), Enbridge ($25,000), PwC Charitable Foundation ($25,000), Texas Mutual Insurance Company ($25,000), Anonymous ($15,000) and Shell USA, Inc.

The fund will help those impacted by the severe storms, derecho winds, tornadoes, and flooding events that occurred between April 26 and May 17, 2024. A Disaster Recovery Council made up of leaders from the business and philanthropic community has been activated to lead grantmaking efforts. Fund leaders anticipate a first round of grants will be distributed in early June, less than two weeks from the fund’s launch, to nonprofit partners to support low-to-moderate income families in Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties. The initial grantmaking round will focus on emergency financial assistance for basic needs including food, water, and medications; flexible emergency financial assistance to help households cover various disaster relief and recovery-related expenses; and resource navigation support to help people access additional recovery services, such as FEMA and Small Business Administration assistance. Subject to available funding, the fund will focus on home repair and coordination in a subsequent grantmaking round.

“We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from generous companies and individuals who have contributed to this fund to help those impacted recover,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. “Many in our community are experiencing physical and financial struggles due to damages or loss of income due to extended power outages. Any amount can help, and by supporting this fund you’re helping those affected not only recover from the immediate crisis, but also prepare themselves for future disasters.”

Additional gifts previously announced to the fund include $500,000 from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation and $500,000 from Comcast, comprised of a $250,000 cash donation and $250,000 in-kind. To donate to the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund, visit www.disasteralliance.org/derecho/.    

“When disaster strikes, it takes all of us working together in a collaborative and coordinated manner to ensure the most vulnerable in our region get the help they need to rebuild and recover,” said Stephen Maislin, president and CEO, Greater Houston Community Foundation. “We are grateful to work with the City of Houston and Harris County on these efforts and appreciate their ongoing support.”

Based on data showing areas with high need, the fund will serve residents of Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties who were affected by the severe weather. Those who need immediate assistance are encouraged to call the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, the community’s key 24/7 information source during times of disaster. United Way’s 211 provides callers with the most updated information on assistance with utilities, housing or rental assistance, crisis counseling, access to senior and veteran services, information on food pantries in the community and more. Assistance through 211 can also be accessed through the following methods in the event of long wait times due to periods of heavy call volume:

• Visit 211texas.org to search resources online or chat online with a specialist.
• Email [email protected] for assistance.

With over 35 years of combined experience leading disaster recovery efforts, the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance was formed by the two regional nonprofits to ensure the Greater Houston area has the social service network and systems in place to respond rapidly, equitably and effectively in times of disaster. Through an initial investment from Enbridge and Phillips 66, the Disaster Alliance focuses on maintaining and strengthening year-round disaster preparedness and recovery.