Retirement Housing Foundation pledges to double winter storm relief donations

By Connie Larkman, news director for the United Church of Christ. Reprinted with permission from UCC News.

One of the country’s largest nonprofit housing providers is answering the United Church of Christ’s call for disaster relief in a big way. Retirement Housing Foundation — a member of the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) — is pledging to match donations to the church’s emergency appeal following the deadly arctic storm that swept through Texas and much of the south in mid-February. 

The winter weather left dozens dead, paralyzed cities, made roads impassable and nearly brought down the Texas power grid, leaving millions in the dark. At one point half of the state’s population had water issues. More than 300,000 Texans are still boiling water. 

The South Central Conference UCC is now working with UCC Disaster Ministries to prioritize churches in need of immediate solidarity grants. 

“We know of at least 10 churches that sustained damage, local congregations who are serving the community,” said Lesli Remaly, minister for disaster response and recovery. She also noted that the UCC will be offering seed grant funding for long-term recovery groups who will assist families in the repair of their homes.

Match details, deadline

Donors who send a tax-deductible gift through RHF Charitable Foundation can see their dollars double. RHF has pledged to match donations up to $50,000, sending $100,000 to Disaster Ministries. Gifts must be received by April 30, 2021, to qualify for the match. 

One hundred percent of the donations received will go directly to efforts supporting needs for shelter and food, cleanup and essential repairs. 

“Being present with communities that are affected by disasters is an important part of the ministries we have in Wider Church Ministries. This collaborative engagement allows us the ability to leverage these resources collectively for a greater impact,” said the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC associate general minister. “We will be present with the community through these days of immediate need and into the long-term recovery for these residents of Texas, working with community partners.” 

In 2017, a generous $100,000 gift to the UCC’s Hurricane Relief fund from RHF residents, team members and friends of helped push disaster donations earmarked to assist people affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria over the $2 million mark. 

“RHF has a long history of partnering with the UCC in helping those throughout the country who have been impacted by natural disasters,” said Stuart Hartman, president & CEO of Retirement Housing Foundation. “While the ice storm is over, the impact of the storm will be something Texans will be dealing with for the next few months. We want to be a part of those recovery efforts.”

How to make a gift

To participate in this matching opportunity, note “Disaster Relief” as the gift designation when you make your gift online here or mail a check payable to RHF Charitable Foundation and send to: RHF Charitable Foundation, 911 North Studebaker Road, Long Beach, CA 90815. 

Donations received after April 30 will be sent to Disaster Ministries, but will not be eligible for this matching opportunity.