United Way Of Greater Houston

Community Outreach - See Schedule OCommunity Outreach services/programs: 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE - In 2024, the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE connected 1.3 million of our neighbors with help, hope, and critical resources, via phone, live chat, text, and email. With 20+ years of experience, new partnerships, and more ways than ever to connect, 211 is proud to be one our community's most valuable resources. The 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE operates 24/7, 365 days per year, and is a free and confidential service staffed by trained information and referral specialists who speak a variety of languages and find real answers for callers as they work the largest helpline of its kind in the country with one of the most comprehensive social services databases in the state. United Way Centers - United Way Centers across our 4-county region increase access to and availability of health and human services in our community in the Bay Area, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Waller County through agencies providing programs like financial and employment coaching, physical and behavioral health care, basic needs assistance, youth programs and disaster response. The centers house 41 nonprofit agencies, offering essential services tailored to each region's needs. Through in-kind support valued at over $1 million, our Centers helped agencies expand services, deliver services more efficiently, and deepen their impact across the region. In 2024, our Centers welcomed over 60,000 individuals serving as trusted hubs for community connection, access to critical services, and local collaboration. Nearly 20,000 guests/visitors utilized our conference rooms for community events, workshops, and nonprofit programming, underscoring our Centers' role as go-to spaces for convening and collective impact.United Way Nonprofit Connection - For more than 30 years, United Way Nonprofit Connection has been Houston's primary nonprofit resource for developing emerging leaders, building dynamic and engaged boards, and helping nonprofits operate effectively. United Way does this through innovative programming such as the Power Tools for Nonprofits conference, Emerging Leadership Institute, annual Board Fair, Project Blueprint program and other leadership development programs. In 2024, the 32nd annual Power Tools welcomed over 800 attendees to its annual Nonprofit Power Tools Conference featuring a day of knowledge-building and networking for nonprofit professionals. Special programming such as the Government Funding Initiative enabled nonprofits to diversify their funding base in order to become more financially sustainable. Nonprofit Connection provided an array of board and organizational development services for more than 119 nonprofit organizations, created job posting opportunities for 176 nonprofits and 728 individuals via its free online Job Bank. In addition, Nonprofit Connection offered 48 workshops on relevant and timely topics for more than 1,430 individuals.United Way's Community Resource Center, located at our 50 Waugh Drive building, is a space dedicated to community leadership, organizational development, and volunteer service. Our Community Resource Center serves as a central gathering place for community groups that include area nonprofit and community development organizations, civic groups, and collaborative and grassroots initiatives. Eligible nonprofit organizations have access to spacious conference rooms, a variety of meeting rooms, and an auditorium, free of charge during United Way's business hours, to solve community issues, promote collaboration, and encourage mutual understanding among diverse constituencies. It is made available at no/low cost to nonprofits and community organizations. In 2024, United Way welcomed its one millionth visitor to the Community Resource Center.

Disaster Recovery, Resiliency, and Preparedness - See Schedule ODisaster Recovery, Resiliency, and Preparedness - In times of disaster, United Way of Greater Houston delivers vital information and resources to drive immediate relief and lead long-term recovery. Year-round, we plan, prepare, and strengthen our community so neighbors are better positioned when disaster strikes. The funds raised for disaster and long-term preparedness are not considered campaign revenue and are not commingled with any other revenue or any other internal or external fund. Key efforts include:United Way Strike Team - When a disaster strikes, crisis ensues, and time is of the essence, the United Way Strike Team is in the community, "boots on the ground," ready to help our neighbors in their most dire moments. This team responds and guides those families and individuals who need immediate crisis assistance. During blue skies, this strike team also works to address emergent needs by working with our community's social service providers to assess emergent needs, identify partners to help meet them, and provide ongoing resources and support. This year, 1,273 referrals for assistance were successfully screened, assessed and provided resources. In addition, 123 households were connected to $468,788 in rental assistance through Harris County's eviction diversion program. Greater Houston Disaster Alliance - In its second year, the Disaster Alliance focused on strengthening preparedness and accelerating recovery. GHDA launched two recovery funds just six weeks apart--the Severe Weather & Derecho and Hurricane Beryl funds--raising $9.1M to support 35 nonprofits in serving nearly 4,100 vulnerable households with emergency financial assistance, disaster resource navigation, and home repair. Recovery timelines improved, with Round 1 grants announced in 22 days, down from 34. GHDA also strengthened data partnerships, refined rapid analysis to identify hardest-hit zip codes, and piloted a coordinated intake system to expand access to emergency financial assistance. Preparedness workshops engaged over 80 nonprofits, while a transparent engagement strategy and regular convenings advanced improved processes for future response. Early resiliency efforts included developing a framework and pursuing national funding to bring long-term investments to the region.Long-Term Recovery Committees - Throughout the year, United Way convenes and leads four long-term recovery committees: Fort Bend Recovers, H-Town Recovers, MCCARES in Montgomery County, and the Waller County Recovery Committee. Meeting bimonthly, these committees bring together over 100 local nonprofits and city and county emergency management officials to maintain readiness, develop unified recovery plans, and ensure efforts remain responsive to community needs.