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United Way of Brazoria County has awarded $49,000 to the Homeland Preparedness Project (HPP) for the purpose of building a coordinated process for addressing the long-term recovery needs of Brazoria County and the unmet needs of residents in the aftermath of a hurricane or other catastrophic event that might occur in the future. HPP will also conduct disaster preparedness training that will help businesses, organizations and community groups, and individuals to work more effectively together during and after a disaster. The funds were made available through a grant United Way of Brazoria County received from United Way of America’s Hurricane Response and Recovery Funds to support long-term disaster coordination.

Stephanie Cone, United Way executive director, said, "The Homeland Preparedness Project has a history of building community coalitions to respond to disaster and emergency needs. By working with Brazoria County Emergency Management, the Health Department, and many community groups, the Homeland Preparedness Project has trained hundreds of community volunteers to assist during a public health emergency."

Cone explained that during the 2005 hurricane season Brazoria County agencies were able to deliver a wide variety of services to people in need who were displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. "However, we want to ensure that in the future we are more prepared and that our community can recovery quickly in the event of a disaster," stated Cone.

The Homeland Preparedness Project is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2004 and is headquartered in Alvin. The organization that serves all of Brazoria County was created as the result of conversations with officials and citizens interested in improving the level of preparedness in their communities.

Bill Ray, Homeland Preparedness Project executive director, said, "The Homeland Preparedness Project provides a variety of services to local communities with a focus on improving the readiness and safety of the community. If a hurricane or other disaster impacts our area, the need for services and the level of unmet needs will be significant. Through a coordinated and systematic approach, planned well in advance, our county will be able to recover quickly and effectively."

For information about the Homeland Preparedness Project and upcoming training opportunities contact Ray at 281/844-3653. The website can be found at www.homelandpreparedness.org.

Committed to serving the needs of the community United Way funds 63 health and human service programs that help to strengthen children and families, improve community health and increase independence. Additional resources are also provided to the community through United Way partnerships such as The Commission on Children, Youth and Families, the Family Success Initiative, Neighbor Day, the Home Buyer Partnership, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, the Disaster Response and Recovery Coalition, and the Women in Leadership Society. Offices are located at 1212 N. Velasco, Angleton and 2518 Westminister, Pearland. For more information call 800.971.6677.

Representatives from United Way of Brazoria County recently presented a $49,000 United Way grant to the Homeland Preparedness Project. Shown from left to right are Jason Perez, United Way board member and vice president of community services; Gloria Luna, United Way director of community services; Stephanie Cone, United Way executive director; Fred Krenzke, United Way chief financial officer; and Bill Ray, Homeland Preparedness Project executive director.

Send mail to kdemland@uwbc.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: April 22, 2008