FAQs

INDIVIDUALS SEEKING ASSISTANCE

How can I access assistance for my family or me?
The 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE connects our neighbors with help 24/7/365 and is our community’s go-to resources in times of disaster. 211 can connect you with food, child care, transportation, and other social services, critical information, and community resources. If you are affected by the economic and social impacts of COVID-19, please take the COVID-19 Community Impact Survey at GulfCoastCovidSurvey.org. The information you provide will be used to help local nonprofits understand the economic needs of households affected by Coronavirus | COVID-19.

I am an individual who has been affected by COVID-19. Can this Fund help me?
We understand many individuals and families have been affected by the outbreak and more will continue to be affected. While the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, we will be funding community-based organizations that have a longstanding history and robust experience in providing people and families with services and support.

If I’m outside of the area, where can I get assistance?
While the Fund is focused on serving those in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Waller counties, other help may be available in your area. Call 211 to find out about available resources. The 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE connects our neighbors with help 24/7/365 and is our community’s go-to resources in times of disaster. 211 can connect you with food, child care, transportation, and other social services, critical information, and community resources. If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211.

How can I receive rental assistance?
BakerRipley, through funding provided by the City of Houston, is offering rental assistance for tenants who live within Houston city limits and are experiencing an economic hardship as a result of COVID-19. Tenants living in participating properties located within City of Houston limits may be eligible to receive rental assistance — up to $1,056 per month — for the months or April and May 2020. Get more information in English and in Spanish.

HELP OUR NEIGHBORS

Is there a fee to contribute?
There is no fee to contribute. 100% of contributions to the fund, less any necessary processing fees for donations made by credit card, will go directly to services. Those who donate by credit card have the option of covering the processing fees on top of their donation.

What will my donation support?
Your donation will help our community respond to the sudden, severe financial hardships experienced by vulnerable families and individuals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donations to the fund will be used to respond to urgently needed necessities such as food, health care, shelter, and utility assistance. The fund will provide grants to proven community partners providing critical services and will not provide grants to individuals.

We will be rapidly deploying resources to meet pressing needs now and will monitor community needs as the pandemic continues to ensure we are providing resources where they are needed most over time.

My organization is interested in resources from this Fund. Can we be considered?
There is not an open application process for the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund. If you are a nonprofit inquiring about the Fund, please use this short Nonprofit Inquiry Form so that we can gather critical information about your needs and status. We will respond thereafter with updates about the Fund.

Will all of the money donated go to the community?
Yes. Other than a small credit card processing fee, 100% of all donations will go directly to support services and supplies for those in need.

Can I designate my donation to go to a certain organization?
The Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund is a general fund to support the most vulnerable populations in need and the nonprofit organizations that effectively serve them in times of disaster. We encourage you to give directly to any specific health and human service providers you would like to support.

Can I donate supplies to United Way of Greater Houston or Greater Houston Community Foundation?
No. United Way of Greater Houston and Greater Houston Community Foundation do not accept supplies or other in-kind donations.

How can I volunteer?
We’re all in this together. We encourage you to visit Volunteer Houston for a robust list of nonprofit organizations that are seeking volunteers.

GREATER HOUSTON COVID-19 RECOVERY FUND

Who established the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund?
United Way of Greater Houston and the Greater Houston Community Foundation are standing together to help support those in our community who have been impacted by COVID-19 and those who may be impacted by unforeseen economic conditions. Together, we have established the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund to serve our region’s most vulnerable neighbors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is there a geographic area of focus for the Fund?
The Fund will be used to serve the four-county Greater Houston area, which includes Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Waller Counties. Together, United Way of Greater Houston and Greater Houston Community Foundation have deep experience in this region. We are familiar with the landscape and needs in these communities, have relationships with proven service providers, and can swiftly direct resources to community-based partners in each county.

What is the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund Task Force?
The Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund Task Force will oversee response and recovery actions and expenditures of the COVID-19 Recovery Fund. The Task Force, comprised of primarily Board members and appointees of the two organizations, will provide oversight and leadership for the Greater Houston COVID-19 Grants Committee (Grants Committee), which is responsible for developing the grant-making strategy, recommending grants to nonprofits active in serving community members negatively impacted by COVID-19, and evolving grant-making strategy to respond to community needs. The Grants Committee is comprised primarily of staff members of the two organizations in addition to a program officer from Arnold Ventures and a program officer from the Houston Endowment.

How will the Recovery Fund Task Force decide where the funds will go?
The Task Force will make investments in services provided by trusted nonprofit partners who have proven experience and systems in place in serving the community during times of disaster. Our goal is to work with trusted partners to leverage our collective resources and make the greatest impact we can for those in urgent need. A Grants Committee, comprised of staff members from both United Way of Greater Houston and Greater Houston Community Foundation will review partner grant requests and recommend funding decisions to the Task Force.

How will the Fund shift gears if needed?
As the COVID-19 crisis evolves and the challenges to serve our community shift, we will act swiftly to shift our funding decisions to ensure we meet the most pressing needs of individuals and families.

How quickly will the Fund respond?
As the Fund receives donations, we are working in parallel to assess needs and determine investments to be made to select grantees as rapidly as possible to meet immediately pressing needs. Both organizations place a high value on oversight and transparency, and we will make this information public and will share any updates on the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund website.

Will you share information on who received funding?
Yes. Both organizations place a high value on oversight and transparency. You can find a current list of grantees here. We will update this site as more information becomes available.