New fund now accepting donations for disaster recovery in anticipation of active 2021 Atlantic hurricane season
AUSTIN — On the first day of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, OneStar announced the launch of the Rebuild Texas Hurricane Season Recovery Fund to support Texas communities affected by disaster.
“We know that living in Texas means that the next hurricane is not an ‘if’ but a ‘when.’ These storms disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Texans each year with little warning,” said Chris Bugbee, OneStar President & CEO. “By proactively gathering and coordinating resources needed for recovery now, we can mitigate the devastating consequences of these disasters. Investing in the Hurricane Season Recovery Fund promotes the resilience of Texas communities and makes it easier for us to bounce back after a hurricane event.”
Researchers are forecasting above-average activity for this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, with predictions of up to 18 named storms, including as many as four major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. At the same time, communities across Texas—still grappling with effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri—are facing depleted resources as they brace for potential impacts of the hurricane season ahead.
The Hurricane Season Recovery Fund preemptively raises donations to ensure funding is readily available and can be quickly deployed in the aftermath of a major storm. This season, OneStar will work with state and local partners to assess the impact of weather events to Texas communities to ensure funding reaches organizations serving those most in need.
Donations to the Fund will be directed to local organizations in communities affected by this hurricane season to ensure the immediate health and safety of Texans and to support short and longer-term recovery activities.
“The needs in the aftermath of a hurricane are tremendous, and it can take communities years to fully recover and rebuild after a major event,” said Michelle Brewer, OneStar board member and executive director of Hardin County Strong. “The Hurricane Season Recovery Fund gives us the opportunity to be strategic about how funding is distributed and adapt to fill critical gaps in the recovery effort.”
OneStar is currently accepting donations to the Hurricane Season Recovery Fund at onestarfoundation.org/hurricane-season-recovery-fund. Donations will be accepted year round.
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About OneStar
OneStar strengthens Texas communities by creating pathways for individuals and organizations to engage, connect and accelerate their impact. We advance service and volunteering as effective solutions to our state’s toughest social challenges. We are recognized as a statewide voice for the Texas nonprofit sector and a respected partner to foundations, state agencies and the business community. Born from state government in 1974, we carry out our mission with direction and guidance from the Office of the Texas Governor. Learn more at onestarfoundation.org.