The Center for Pursuit, Houston’s largest not-for-profit organization serving adults with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD), has received a grant from the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund, a joint effort by United Way of Greater Houston and the Greater Houston Community Foundation. The first round of the fund will distribute $1.5 million among 30 nonprofit organizations with constituents who need urgent access to food and emergency financial assistance due to COVID-19.

The Center for Pursuit’s grant of $35,000 will be used to assist 68 clients, who live in Assisted and Independent Living programs, with their rental expenses for one month. Many of The Center’s clients rely on a combination of funding from their own earnings, with family supplementation when possible. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many clients and family members are no longer able to work or have reduced hours, presenting financial hardship.

“We are extraordinarily grateful to United Way of Greater Houston and Greater Houston Community Foundation for the invitation to apply and for the granting of funds from the COVID-19 Recovery Fund, which will help 68 residential clients pay for their rent for one month,” says Charles C. Canton, President and CEO. “Like many others in the community, our clients and their families have felt the severe economic impact of the pandemic. This will allow us to maintain basic support for our wonderful residents.”

Because the need is so great, Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund organizers are appealing to the public to donate to the effort. Fund partners have committed that 100 percent of donations will be spent on community needs. As the pandemic evolves and pledged funds are received, the Fund Task Force will assess emerging needs in determining subsequent investments.

Leading local foundations, corporations and individuals have responded with contributions in cash and pledged gifts, with the fund currently at $7.4 million. It will serve residents in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Waller counties. Details are available at www.GreaterHoustonRecovery.org.