November 15, 2017

 

 


  


Dear Friends and Neighbors:

MAYOR TURNER AND COUNTY JUDGE EMMETT ANNOUNCE $28.9 MILLION MORE IN AID AND SERVICES FOR HURRICANE HARVEY FLOOD VICTIMS  
 
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund announced today the distribution of $28.9 million in donated funds to 90 local non-profit organizations that will provide financial aid and services to Houston/Harris County flood victims.

The fund was founded by Mayor Sylvester Turner and County Judge Ed Emmett to channel the exceptional generosity and compassion of Houston and Harris County area residents -- as well as companies, foundations and individuals from across the United States -- into tangible ways to help their neighbors in need as soon as possible.

Today's announcement marks the second round of fund disbursements even as officials are working on the third round to be completed by January. Since its founding after the hurricane, the fund has collected more than $100 million and, with today's announcement, has distributed more than $36 million. The fund will continue to collect donations through December 31, 2017.
 
Today's distribution is guided by a study using FEMA data and call data from the city's 2-1-1 help line as a way to confirm where and what the city/county's greatest personal flood recovery needs are. It was conducted by the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University.

The 90 non-profit organizations selected are trusted, experienced groups with the proven ability to identify clients and their needs and then assist them directly.

Direct funding and services to be provided by the non-profit recipients include but are not limited to:  
  • Assistance with paying for food, clothing, rent, mortgage payments and utilities
  • Home repairs
  • Replacement of flood-damaged furniture and appliances for those who did not have flood insurance.
  • Case management for elderly, disabled, and other individuals who need help applying for assistance and developing a recovery plan.
  • Trauma/crisis intervention
  • Job training and employment services
  • Grants for families with children
A list of non-profit organizations in today's distribution of funds, the amount each receives, and the services and aid is available at:
 

According to comments made today by Mayor Turner, distribution of this aid is not based on income level, but according to need and the zip code of your residence. Look at the last column of any non-profit listed in the PDF cited above; if your zip code appears, you are entitled to apply for aid from that organization.

 

See http://www.ghcf.org for more information about this disbursement. The funding is expected to support these organizations' efforts over the next 120 days.

Flood victims who have not been in direct contact with the non-profits receiving Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund grants should call 2-1-1 for assistance.
 
Mayor Turner and Judge Emmett turned over administration of the fund to the Greater Houston Community Foundation, a highly efficient, proven and deeply community minded grant-making organization, and created a board to provide oversight of the distribution of hurricane relief funds. The board is co-chaired by Turner appointee Tony Chase, a civic activist and businessman, and Emmett appointee Bill Jackson, the county budget director.
  
For more information contact:

Alan Bernstein, mayor's communications director,
(832) 393-0800 Alan.Bernstein@houstontx.gov 

Joe Stinebaker, County Judge Ed Emmett's Office, (713) 755-4027, joe.stinebaker@cjo.hctx.net
 
Rachel Young, Marketing & Communications Associate, Greater Houston Community Fund, at ryoung@ghcf.org
   
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____________________________________________________________
  
Greg Travis
Houston City Council Member, District G
900 Bagby, 1st Floor
Houston, TX 77002
  
Mailing:
P.O. Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251-1562
  
Phone: 832-393-3007
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