Houston Nonprofits Create Relief Fund for Hurricane Beryl Victims

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 United Way of Greater Houston, will accept donations and distribute the money to area nonprofits.

Organizations in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Waller counties that serve low- and moderate-income families without adequate insurance will receive support through the fund. Nonprofits that provide emergency financial assistance, home repair services and resource referrals, such as counseling for those applying for federal assistance, will be given priority.

“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, president-elect of the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

Harvey encouraged individuals, businesses, corporations and other organizations to contribute to the fund. Those wishing to donate can do so online through the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance website.

“No gift is too small,” said Amanda McMilian, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston.

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Residents cannot apply for direct financial assistance through the fund. Those who need direct assistance should contact the 211 Texas helpline, where they will be connected to appropriate services.

The two organizations announced the fund’s launch alongside Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who made a rare appearance together.

Hurricane Beryl knocked out power to more than 2 million residents in Greater Houston when it hit the Texas coast on July 8. About 200,000 customers of CenterPoint, the area’s main electricity provider, remained without power Monday afternoon.

The Beryl Fund has already raised more than $3 million, Harvey said. Much of that funding comes from three “core commitments”: $1 million each from the Sarofim Foundation, HEB and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a nonprofit affiliated with CenterPoint, which came under fire last week for its preparation for and response to Hurricane Beryl.

Hidalgo and Whitmire celebrated the fund’s launch in a joint appearance Monday, with Hidalgo calling it “good news in the midst of tragedy.” Hidalgo said that previously, there was no “central place” to direct people who wanted to donate to disaster relief. Now, the Beryl Fund makes it easier to “channel” philanthropic aid.

“We know we live in a great city,” Whitmire added. “It’s by coming together that we’re going to make a difference.”

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