United Way of Greater Houston, founded in 1921, runs the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE and the THRIVE financial-stability program across four Texas counties. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate raises money and directs it to local programs and partners that address basic needs and long-term family financial stability across the Houston region. It runs the area's 2-1-1 helpline and leads THRIVE, a collaborative built to help families build income and savings.
Its service area covers Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Waller counties. President and CEO Amanda M. McMillian has led the organization since 2020.
The 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is free, confidential, and answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It connects callers to childcare, food pantries, free tax preparation, veterans' assistance, after-school programs, housing and utility help, and recovery programs.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 Texas / United Way HELPLINE | A free, confidential 24/7 line; specialists connected more than 1.2 million people in 2022. |
| United Way THRIVE | A collaborative that helps families gain skills and education, find better jobs, and build savings. |
| VITA free tax prep | Free tax preparation for low-income families, returning credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit. |
| ALICE research | Data on working households that cannot afford the basics. |
Because the HELPLINE is part of the statewide 211 Texas system, it can route callers to services across the region and during disasters.
THRIVE is the affiliate's signature financial-stability work. Led by United Way of Greater Houston, it brings together nonprofit partners, employers, community colleges, financial institutions, and government agencies to help families acquire skills, get better jobs, build good financial habits, and grow savings.
The aim is durable change rather than one-time aid: helping a household move from crisis to a stable financial footing.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's programs and its 2-1-1 helpline.
Volunteers help in many ways, including IRS-certified free tax preparation. United Way of Greater Houston holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 74-1167964.
A free 24/7 line connecting people to local services.
Financial-stability collaborative for working families.
Free tax filing that returns credits to families.
Data on households that work but cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local nonprofits across four counties.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of Greater Houston (unitedwayhouston.org) 211, THRIVE, and about pages; Charity Navigator and GuideStar (EIN 74-1167964). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of Greater Houston and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
More United Way profiles and giving guides