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 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 44% 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 96,000 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 with valuable educational opportunities.

Community Outreach - See Schedule OCommunity Outreach services/programs: 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE - In 2024, the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE connected 1.3 million of our neighbors with help, hope, and critical resources, via phone, live chat, text, and email. 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 information and referral 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 in the Bay Area, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Waller County through agencies providing programs like financial and employment coaching, physical and behavioral health care, basic needs assistance, youth programs and disaster response. The centers house 41 nonprofit agencies, offering essential services tailored to each region's needs. Through in-kind support valued at over $1 million, our Centers helped agencies expand services, deliver services more efficiently, and deepen their impact across the region. In 2024, our Centers welcomed over 60,000 individuals serving as trusted hubs for community connection, access to critical services, and local collaboration. Nearly 20,000 guests/visitors utilized our conference rooms for community events, workshops, and nonprofit programming, underscoring our Centers' role as go-to spaces for convening and collective impact.United Way Nonprofit Connection - For more than 30 years, United Way Nonprofit Connection has been Houston's primary nonprofit resource for developing emerging leaders, building dynamic and engaged boards, and helping nonprofits operate effectively. United Way does this through innovative programming such as the Power Tools for Nonprofits conference, Emerging Leadership Institute, annual Board Fair, Project Blueprint program and other leadership development programs. In 2024, the 32nd annual Power Tools welcomed over 800 attendees to its annual Nonprofit Power Tools Conference featuring a day of knowledge-building and networking for nonprofit professionals. Special programming such as the Government Funding Initiative enabled nonprofits to diversify their funding base in order to become more financially sustainable. Nonprofit Connection provided an array of board and organizational development services for more than 119 nonprofit organizations, created job posting opportunities for 176 nonprofits and 728 individuals via its free online Job Bank. In addition, Nonprofit Connection offered 48 workshops on relevant and timely topics for more than 1,430 individuals.United Way's Community Resource Center, located at our 50 Waugh Drive building, is a space dedicated to community leadership, organizational development, and volunteer service. Our Community Resource Center serves as a central gathering place for community groups that include area nonprofit and community development organizations, civic groups, and collaborative and grassroots initiatives. Eligible nonprofit organizations have access to spacious conference rooms, a variety of meeting rooms, and an auditorium, free of charge during United Way's business hours, to solve community issues, promote collaboration, and encourage mutual understanding among diverse constituencies. It is made available at no/low cost to nonprofits and community organizations. In 2024, United Way welcomed its one millionth visitor to the Community Resource Center.