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Two of Greater Houston’s leading nonprofits announced Monday the creation of the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund, a central location for donations to support disaster relief.
The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, a joint initiative of the Greater Houston Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Houston, will accept donations and distribute the money to nonprofits in the area.
Organizations in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Waller counties serving low- to moderate-income families without adequate insurance will receive support through the fund. Nonprofits providing emergency financial assistance, home repair and resource navigation services — such as guidance for those applying for federal aid — will be emphasized.
“The fund will distribute grants to trusted nonprofit partners who have a deep understanding of the needs of our community down to the individual neighborhood,” said Bob Harvey, chair-elect of the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
Harvey encouraged individuals, businesses, corporations and other organizations to contribute to the fund. Those who wish to donate can do so online via the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance website.
“There is no donation that is too small,” said Amanda McMilian, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Houston.
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Residents cannot apply for direct financial help through the fund. Those in need of direct assistance should contact the 211 Texas helpline, where they will be connected to appropriate services.
The two organizations announced the launch of the fund alongside Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who made a rare appearance together.
Hurricane Beryl wiped out power for over 2 million residents of Greater Houston when it slammed into the Texas coast July 8. About 200,000 customers of CenterPoint, the region’s main electric utility, remained without electricity Monday afternoon.
The Beryl fund has already raised over $3 million, Harvey said. Much of that funding comes from three “lead commitments” — $1 million each from the Sarofim Foundation, H.E.B. and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a nonprofit affiliated with CenterPoint, which has come under fire in the past week for its preparation for and response to Hurricane Beryl.
Hidalgo and Whitmire celebrated the launch of the fund in a joint appearance Monday, with Hidalgo calling it “good news within the tragedy.” Previously, Hidalgo said, there was no “one central place” to direct people who wanted to donate to disaster relief. Now, the Beryl Fund has made it easier to “harness” philanthropic aid.
“We know we have a great city,” Whitmire added. “Coming together will make the difference.”
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