United Way of Greater Houston

Creating Opportunities for People to Prosper - See Schedule OCreating Opportunities for People to Prosper - Together we work to create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive and to achieve what every family wants: a pathway to self-sufficiency and a sustainable quality of life. This work and our investments are focused on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE represents those who are working but struggle to afford the basic necessities of housing, food, childcare, health care, and transportation. Guided by research and data, United Way focuses on and invests in high-quality programs aimed at serving ALICE and those living below the Federal Poverty Level, a group which collectively makes up 47% of the population in the Greater Houston Area. The Integrated Client Journey allows clients to create their own customized pathways based on their goals and needs and orchestrates programs to make it easy for clients to engage across services, breaking down barriers and helping ensure success. Last year, through the various programs of this initiative, and with the collaboration of our Navigators and the Integrated Client Journey, United Way assisted the following groups in the Greater Houston Area: - More than 700,000 clients across 13 regions received help rebuilding their lives after crises through basic needs assistance, mental health services, housing and emergency shelter, domestic violence services, substance abuse services and assistance with needs such as transportation and life skills. Seniors and Veterans remained strong and independent through help with daily living, nutritious meals, home visits and care, social interaction and a citywide support network and advocacy for senior issues. - Families and neighborhoods received help becoming self-sufficient and strong through job skills and career readiness, financial coaching and literacy courses, credit-building, parenting classes, family counseling, health care and basic needs assistance through the United Way THRIVE collaborative which gives families the tools, resources, and support to achieve financial stability. More than 66,000 families were helped to establish a pathway to financial stability.- Young people received help building a foundation for future success through early childhood education, out-of-school enrichment, mentors, summer grants, and other academic, parent, and family engagement support through our United Way Bright Beginnings, Out 2 Learn, MATH programs, and partnerships. Through these programs, more than 7,000 children were provided valuable educational opportunities.

Disaster Recovery, Resiliency, and Preparedness - See Schedule ODisaster Recovery, Resiliency, and Preparedness - In times of disaster, United Way of Greater Houston provides critical information and resources to invest in immediate relief and to lead long-term recovery efforts. Year-round, we plan, prepare, and work to help our neighbors and our community be better positioned when disaster strikes. These programs now include our 211 Strike Team and the GHDA. Year-round, United Way of Greater Houston leads and convenes Long-Term Recovery Committees representing each county in our service area: Fort Bend Recovers, Harris County Long-Term Recovery Committee, MC Cares, and Waller County Recovery Committee. 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.

Community Outreach - See Schedule OCommunity Outreach services/programs: 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE - In 2023, the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE connected 1.2 million of our neighbors with help, hope, and critical resources through live chat, text, and chatbot services. 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 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. At these centers, located in the Bay Area of Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Waller County, community members can access agencies providing programs. At each center, clients can access services like financial and employment coaching, physical and behavioral health care, basic needs assistance, immigration assistance, and senior and youth programs. In 2023, our Bay Area Center held 46 job fairs and connected 3,000 attendees and 50 employers; our Fort Bend Tax Center, a partnership with BakerRipley, provided free tax preparation services to 1,585 households, returning $1.9 million in tax refunds to the community; our Montgomery County Center administered the Emergency Food and Shelter Program that distributed $276,000 for food and shelter programs; and our Waller County Center hosted the Western Area Networking Alliance to provide social services in the county and surrounding areas.United Way Nonprofit Connection - United Way believes that a strong nonprofit sector is essential to a strong community. Nonprofit Connection continues to be Houston's primary resource for nonprofit management and leadership development, providing leadership development, consulting, training and technical assistance, all designed to increase organizational effectiveness. United Way does this through its Power Tools for Nonprofits conference, its Emerging Leadership Institute, its Board Fair, its Project Blueprint program and other leadership programs. In 2023, the Power Tools event celebrated 30 years of providing professional development for nonprofit staff across the community. More than 600 people attended the annual Nonprofit Power Tools Conference that offered sessions such as sustaining the viability of nonprofits in tough economic climates and increasing staff and volunteer morale, productivity, and creativity, including a track on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition to our nonprofit and corporate partners, United Way of Greater Houston partners with a variety of organizations that enhance and enrich the work we do and help strengthen our United Way network and our community.The Community Resource Center Facility space, located at our 50 Waugh Drive building, is made available at no/low cost to nonprofits and community organizations.