MCUW Receives $3 Million Grant

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Montgomery County United Way has signed a contract to receive a $3.1 million grant funded by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) targeted to assist individuals and non- profit organizations recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Ike.

Montgomery County United Way has collaborated since before Hurricane Ike hit landfall working with local, state and national government entities along with Montgomery County non-profit partners to assist in the response and recovery of “Ike” victims. Now with this grant available, further help can be obtained for reimbursement to the county government and non-profits for response efforts and the bulk of the grant going to “Un-met Needs” and minor house repairs for individuals in Montgomery and Liberty counties.

MCUW has assisted Lutheran Social Services who received a grant to provide case management to those individuals who needed additional assistance with Ike damage after FEMA and Insurance benefits had been exhausted. Lutheran Social Services through its RISE (Recovery for Ike Survivors Enterprise) program contracted with two local companies ICNA and GMC. These companies have been in contact with local citizens to connect with local resources to meet needs. Some of these citizens are still in need of financial assistance to repair their homes or replace items such as refrigerators, furniture and appliances.

Desurai Wilson with GMC said “People in our community are apprehensive.” She uses the example of a pot of water boiling on the stove, “when help finally arrives, water evaporates.” She explains “People need to be educated about the help available. GMC and ICNA are paid by FEMA to provide disaster case management services. They need to be clear about their needs. Problems still existing range from mold on baseboards to a gaping hole in their ceiling where a blue roof may still remain. We want to help remedy the situation and these grant funds will help to do that.” To reach GMC, citizens in Montgomery County should call 936 588-3057 or 936 577-3051 to be assigned a case worker.

Jim Izat with ICNA said “people have been waiting for the final money they need to repair their homes. Our case workers are very excited to finally be able to provide the gap closure, the lack of funds that have been available for these home repairs.” To contact ICNA for case management, citizens in Montgomery County should call 936 494-4262.

The $3.1 million HGAC grant will be utilized for about $25,000 in reimbursement of Montgomery County Juvenile Detention for juvenile evacuees transported to the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention facility from Jefferson, Galveston and Brazoria counties. Montgomery County Food Bank will receive about $33,000 to replace its roof from Ike damage so that they continue safe and sanitary operations. Liberty County will receive a total of $500,000 for minor house repairs, up to 25% of pre-Ike dwelling value for qualified applicants. Montgomery County will receive $500,000 for “Unmet Needs”, up to $3000 per household for qualified applicants to meet needs such as replacement appliances, furniture, clothes and bedding. Montgomery County will also receive $1,000,000 for minor house repairs, up to 25% of pre-Ike dwelling value for qualified applicants. The balance of the funds will be used for additional case management and administration costs.

Julie Martineau, President of Montgomery County United Way said “this has been a very long process to work through but we are very pleased that our citizens might get the help they have desperately needed to recover from Ike damages and get on with life in our wonderful county.”