United Way MC Breaks Ground New Disaster Hub Conroe

**United Way of Montgomery County Breaks Ground on $4.5 Million Disaster Response and Community Hub**

**CONROE, TX – October 18, 2023** – The United Way of Montgomery County officially broke ground today on a transformative 16,000-square-foot facility in Conroe, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s five-decade commitment to the community. Dubbed the “Community Building,” the $4.5 million project, entirely funded by private donations, is set to dramatically enhance the United Way’s disaster response capabilities and expand its year-round community programs.

Located at 104 Simonton Road, the new hub is anticipated to open in late summer 2024 and will serve as a central command for volunteer coordination, emergency supply storage, and various outreach efforts across Montgomery County. This state-of-the-art facility represents a crucial upgrade from the organization’s current, smaller space, which has long struggled to meet the demands of major crises.

Julie Martineau, President and CEO of United Way of Montgomery County, emphasized the facility’s direct response to lessons learned from past catastrophic events, notably Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Tropical Storm Imelda, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. “Our current facility simply wasn’t equipped for the scale of operations needed during a major crisis,” Martineau stated during the ceremony. “This new building will allow us to respond faster, more efficiently, and serve more people when the next crisis hits, ensuring that our community is better prepared and supported.”

The new “Community Building” will feature ample volunteer training rooms, dedicated meeting spaces for partner agencies, and, critically, a large warehouse area capable of storing multiple pallets of disaster relief supplies year-round. This eliminates the need for the United Way to rent separate, often costly, storage facilities during emergencies, streamlining operations and improving cost-effectiveness.

“This isn’t just a building; it’s a testament to the power of our community coming together,” said Jay D. Dreibelbis, President and CEO of Woodforest National Bank, a major foundational donor for the project. “Woodforest National Bank has a long-standing commitment to Montgomery County, and we deeply believe in the United Way’s mission. Their proactive approach to disaster readiness and sustained community support is vital, and we are proud to be a key partner in making this vision a reality.”

The $4.5 million capital campaign, titled “Building a Resilient Community,” saw overwhelming support from numerous local businesses, foundations, and individual philanthropists. In addition to Woodforest National Bank, other key partners who have helped bring this vision to fruition include the Montgomery County Commissioners Court, Conroe Independent School District, Waste Connections, Enterprise Holdings, and the Stronghold Foundation.

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, who also attended the groundbreaking, highlighted the collaborative spirit. “When disaster strikes, our residents need swift, organized support, and this new United Way hub will be instrumental in ensuring that. It’s an investment in our collective safety and well-being, showcasing what we can achieve when public and private sectors unite for the common good.”

For over 50 years, the United Way of Montgomery County has been a cornerstone in addressing critical community needs, spanning education, financial stability, and health. The new facility will not only serve as a robust disaster response center but will also expand the organization’s capacity for its everyday programs, offering enhanced space for partner agency collaboration, volunteer training for initiatives like tutoring programs, and crucial financial literacy workshops.

Upon its anticipated opening in late summer 2024, the United Way of Montgomery County will have a state-of-the-art home base, ready to not only tackle future emergencies head-on but also expand the vital everyday programs that support thousands of local residents across Montgomery County.

For more information on the United Way of Montgomery County and its programs, please visit www.unitedwaymoco.com or call (936) 760-4985.