United Way Relief Fund Grows to $16 Million with $2.5 Million Gift from ConocoPhillips to Help Those Devastated by Harvey

HOUSTON, Aug. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Greater Houston area lives through another day of evacuations, flooded highways and thousands housed in temporary shelters, generous companies and individuals continue to donate to the United Way of Greater Houston Relief Fund as the community and the nation responds to the unprecedented devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. Among the most recent contributions, global energy company ConocoPhillips donated $2.5 million and national retailer Macy's and global energy company TechnipFMC each donated $1 million. The McNair family added a second $1 million contribution, raising the Houston Texans and McNair family total gift to $2 million. In addition, Amegy Bank gave $500,000 to the fund.

To give to the United Way Flood Relief Fund, visit unitedwayhouston.org/flood or text UWFLOOD to 41444. 

"The leadership and generosity of all these companies and individuals is so uplifting and appreciated because a recovery effort of this scale will take a tremendous amount of resources," said Anna M. Babin, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. "So many in our community, especially the most vulnerable, need our help because recovering from a profound loss, such as your home, can be overwhelming."

Major gifts of $1 million to the fund have also come from Anadarko, Kinder Foundation, NFL Foundation and Lennar Foundation and a $500,000 gift was donated by ExxonMobil.

United Way of Greater Houston established the fund to respond to the widespread devastation caused by storm-related flooding. One hundred percent of monies raised by United Way's Relief Fund will be used to help individuals and families with both immediate, basic needs and long-term recovery services such as case management, essentials for daily life and work, and minor home repair.

"We have received donations of all sizes from companies and individuals from around the country and we thank you on behalf of our community ---every gift counts," said Babin.  "Our first priority is safety, shelter and basic needs for those who need that support. As the community stabilizes, United Way will focus on long-term recovery efforts and we know those needs will be great."

Babin said that, in times of disaster, United Way serves as the convening organization to bring together non-profit and community partners, as well as civic and government stakeholders from across the Greater Houston area, to coordinate recovery efforts, both assessing the needs and providing support where it is needed most.

In addition, United Way operates the 2-1-1 Texas / United Way HELPLINE, which is the community's key information source before, during and after a storm.  Babin explained that current call volume to 2-1-1 is at unprecedented levels and the helpline is staffed around the clock. "We are asking 2-1-1 callers to be patient because the call volume is beyond anything we have experienced before. We are committed to helping callers get the information they need and are getting support from our 2-1-1 partners around the state."

About United Way of Greater Houston
For more than 95 years, United Way of Greater Houston has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives, tackling key community social issues, and making a lasting difference. Last year, United Way of Greater Houston touched the lives of nearly 2 million of our neighbors in the Bay Area and in Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery, and Waller counties. United Way focuses on strengthening our community by developing children and youth to their full potential, creating strong families and safe neighborhoods, sustaining senior independence and rebuilding people's lives in times of crisis. United Way of Greater Houston is the best way to make the biggest difference in our community. For more information, please visit, www.unitedwayhouston.org.

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-way-relief-fund-grows-to-16-million-with-25-million-gift-from-conocophillips-to-help-those-devastated-by-harvey-300512404.html

SOURCE United Way of Greater Houston