Montgomery County Emergency Assistance (MCEA) has received a $360,000 grant from Houston Endowment to help sustain its emergency financial assistance programs.

“This two-year grant represents an investment in MCEA’s leadership and the organization’s ability to provide effective emergency financial assistance and referral services for low-income families and individuals in crisis,” Leslie Wang, a grant officer at Houston Endowment, said. “The foundation recognizes that MCEA’s role in stabilizing lives and preventing homelessness in Montgomery County is critical.”

“Our job is to help those who have experienced an unexpected crisis that affects their ability to pay critical bills such as rent/mortgage, utilities or prescriptions,” said MCEA Executive Director, David Hwa. “The economic downturn is tearing up once-stable families. I believe that Houston Endowment recognizes this need and is investing in organizations like MCEA that are making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

MCEA is the only nonprofit agency in Montgomery County that provides emergency financial assistance county-wide. This year, MCEA will distribute more than $2 million in the community that will directly benefit more than 8,000 people. 

“During this prolonged recession, tens of thousands of our residents live paycheck to paycheck and make difficult choices between paying the rent, utility and medical bills, or putting food on the table,” said Hwa. “The recession has made it tough for many to bounce back when a crisis occurs.  We’re here to help when that happens.” 

Since 1937, Houston Endowment has been supporting organizations that help improve lives in the greater Houston area.  Annually, about 22 percent of the foundation’s support is targeted toward human service organizations that address the needs of the area’s most vulnerable populations.

For more information about MCEA’s emergency assistance programs or need assistance, call 936-539-9211 or visit the agency’s website at www.mcea-tx.org.  MCEA has five offices located in Magnolia , Conroe, The Woodlands, Willis and New Caney, with a new office to open in early 2011 in Montgomery. 

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