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First readWhat to know+
Topic: Disaster recovery and preparedness in Greater HoustonSource: Greater Houston Community FoundationRelief Distributed: Over $250 million since 2005Startup Funding: $1.5 million from Enbridge and Phillips 66Reading Time: About 1 minute
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Good first step: Share A neighbor or family member who wants to be ready for the next disaster
Hey, did you know two big Houston groups have given out over $250 million to help people after disasters? There is a whole alliance set up to help us get ready before the next one hits. Worth knowing about!
Time and placeWhere this sits+
Our NeighborhoodGreater Houston Community Foundation
When disaster hits Houston, you do not have to face it alone. Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) and United Way of Greater Houston work together — and with local nonprofits, businesses, and government partners — to get money and support to neighbors in need fast. Together they have distributed more than $250 million in disaster relief since 2005. Their newest effort, the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, keeps that work going year-round, not just after a storm.
The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance is a year-round partnership between GHCF and United Way of Greater Houston. It was funded by a combined $1.5 million investment from Enbridge and Phillips 66. The Alliance connects donors, nonprofits, and local leaders so the region can respond rapidly when the next disaster hits. GHCF has administered several major relief funds, including the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund ($6.1 million raised), the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund (nearly $3.1 million, supporting more than 6,400 people in 2,000 families), the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund ($17 million), the Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund ($30 million), and the Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund. Businesses can also partner with GHCF to create employee disaster relief funds that meet IRS (Internal Revenue Service) guidelines.
If you or your family were affected by a disaster, check whether an active recovery fund is open for applications through GHCF. If you want to help others, you can donate to existing or future disaster funds. If you run a business or nonprofit, you can reach out to GHCF to learn how to partner, set up an employee relief fund, or join the Alliance network. Contact GHCF directly by phone at 595-997-6430 or by email at tmurphy@ghcf.org. Their offices are at 2021 Winter St in Houston.
Ongoing
Greater Houston region — including Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Waller counties
GHCF partners closely with United Way of Greater Houston, the City of Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Waller County local governments, and a wide network of trusted nonprofits. Past nonprofit partners include The Restoration Team and Connective. Corporate funders have included Enbridge and Phillips 66. These connections help the region respond quickly and reach the most vulnerable neighbors first.
Houston faces real risks: hurricanes, floods, winter storms, and more. Recovery is always faster when communities prepare before disaster strikes. GHCF and United Way combine 35 years of experience in philanthropic disaster response to make that preparation happen. They also help businesses set up employee disaster relief funds quickly, so workers can get help without long delays. When everyone — donors, nonprofits, local leaders, and neighbors — works together, more vulnerable people get help more quickly.
