Facing predictions that it could become the most costly storm in U.S. history, the outpouring of support nationwide for the victims of Hurricane Harvey continues to paint a remarkable story of a truly united front, so it’s only logical that United Way Worldwide has entered the picture with a resounding collective effort. For those looking for ways to help during the holiday weekend and in the days and weeks ahead, the new fund is pivotal.
United Way Worldwide has announced establishment of the United Way Harvey Recovery Fund, a national fund which will distribute 100-percent of donations for recovery in the affected areas, community by community, in the months and years ahead. The fund will facilitate the donation process for United Way donors and partners who want to offer financial support to storm victims in Texas, Louisiana and the affected areas.
As part of United Way’s mission to build stronger communities, and to fight for the health and safety of every person in every community, United Ways in the affected areas will continue to raise money locally and respond to emerging needs as appropriate for their community. The national fund will complement those efforts and provide a single clearinghouse for individual and corporate donors who want to impact all affected areas.
The inaugural donation to this newly established fund was from the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF), which made a $1 million contribution to directly support victims who have been impacted across the region.
United Way Worldwide President & CEO Brian Gallagher says, “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Leonardo DiCaprio and his foundation.” He adds, “Responding to Hurricane Harvey requires the best of all of us – and that’s what this gift represents. United Way’s Harvey Recovery Fund will provide much-needed help for the communities along the Gulf Coast where lives have been changed forever.”
Hurricane Harvey made landfall on August 24th near Corpus Christi, Texas and is on track to be one of the costliest storms in U.S. history. The unprecedented storm has wreaked havoc on homes and communities across Southeastern Texas and Southwestern Louisiana – producing up to 50 inches of rain in some areas. United Ways in the region are helping residents facing devastating losses from the historic flooding focusing on mid- and long-term recovery.
The United Way network of over 1,800 United Ways includes 23 directly in path of Hurricane Harvey’s destruction. Local United Ways in the affected areas include:
- Aransas County United Way (Rockport, TX)
- Matagorda County United Way (Bay City, TX)
- United Way Galveston County Mainland, (Texas City, TX)
- United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County (Beaumont, TX)
- United Way of Brazoria County (Angleton, TX)
- United Way of Calhoun County (Port Lavaca, TX)
- United Way of Comal County (New Braunfels, TX)
- United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County (Baytown, TX)
- United Way of Greater Houston (Houston, TX)
- United Way of Jackson County, Inc. (Edna, TX)
- United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County (Port Arthur, TX)
- United Way of Orange County (Orange, TX)
- United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County (San Antonio, TX)
- Victoria County United Way (Victoria, TX)
- United Way of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. (Lake Charles, LA)
- United Way of the Coastal Bend (Corpus Christi, TX)
- United Way of Galveston (Galveston, TX)
- United Way Greater Austin (Austin,TX)
- United Way Williamson County (Round Rock, TX)
- United Way of Acadiana (Lafayette, LA)
- United Way of Metropolitan Dallas (Dallas, TX)
- United Way of Central Texas (Temple, TX)
- United Way of Southeast Louisiana (New Orleans, LA)
United Way has a history of serving as the cornerstone for long-term recovery after natural disasters including Hurricane Katrina and flooding in TamilNadu, India. United Way is laying the ground work for mid- and long-term recovery in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey, which is expected to take several years. The United Way Harvey Recovery Fund is just one way the organization will continue the fight for every person in every community.
To donate to the fund or volunteer, please click the link below:
https://www.unitedway.org/hurricane-harvey. For disaster help, call 211 or visit 211.org
