United Way Conroe Hub Bolsters Aid & Programs

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**United Way Unveils State-of-the-Art Conroe Facility, Bolstering Montgomery County’s Disaster Preparedness and Community Support**

**CONROE, TX – June 24, 2024** – Montgomery County’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to disasters, while also expanding vital community programs, received a monumental boost last Thursday, June 20th. The United Way of Montgomery County (UWMC) officially opened its brand-new, 10,000 square-foot facility, strategically located at 1600 Lake Front Circle within the Conroe Industrial Park. This new hub is poised to significantly enhance the organization’s operational capacity, serving as a central command for crisis response and a catalyst for expanding critical local initiatives.

The grand opening marked the culmination of a two-year vision and dedicated effort by the UWMC. Previously operating from offices in The Woodlands, the new Conroe location masterfully consolidates both administrative functions and much-needed warehouse space under one roof. Dr. Ben Hernandez, Jr., United Way’s President & CEO, underscored the transformative impact of the facility during the opening ceremony.

“This new center is truly a game-changer for Montgomery County,” Dr. Hernandez stated, his voice reflecting the gravity of the achievement. “It is a beacon of hope, providing us with the infrastructure to act decisively when disaster strikes and to grow the programs that strengthen our community every single day. We are now better equipped than ever to serve as a central command center for future disaster responses.”

The expansive 10,000 square-foot footprint directly translates into improved speed and efficiency, particularly crucial when facing hurricanes, floods, or other local crises. The dedicated warehouse space now allows UWMC to pre-position and store substantial quantities of vital disaster relief supplies. This includes essentials like tarps, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food items, ensuring they are ready for immediate and rapid deployment to affected areas.

Beyond storage, the facility offers a centralized, accessible location for volunteers to gather, receive essential briefings, and efficiently get their assignments, streamlining large-scale relief efforts. A flexible training room further enhances capabilities, designed to seamlessly double as an emergency operations center or a community meeting space, fostering collaboration and preparedness.

However, the facility’s benefits extend beyond disaster response. It will significantly strengthen United Way’s ongoing community programs that address persistent local needs. Initiatives such as their “Transit for Tots,” which provides car seats to families to ensure safe transportation for their children, and their highly utilized Diaper Bank, will benefit immensely from the increased storage capacity, streamlined logistics, and improved operational flow.

This consolidation also facilitates improved coordination with other key relief organizations, including federal partners like FEMA, the American Red Cross, and local emergency management agencies. This unified approach ensures a more cohesive and efficient response system, ultimately providing faster and more comprehensive assistance to residents in times of need.

The realization of this critical project was made possible through the “Resilience Fund,” which was established in the wake of Hurricane Harvey to bolster community preparedness. The facility’s development also benefited from the generous support of numerous corporate partners, dedicated foundations, and a wide array of community donors over the past couple of years, all sharing in the vision for a more resilient Montgomery County.

For more information on the United Way of Montgomery County’s services, programs, or how to get involved, please visit [United Way of Montgomery County website] or call [United Way Phone Number].