After more than 200 businesses in the Lake Houston area experienced a total loss due to Hurricane Harvey, businesses, the local chamber and other nonprofits combined to create a fund for business owners experiencing hardships.

The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, Kingwood-based human resources company Insperity and Humble Area Assistance Ministries worked together to establish the Lake Houston Area Relief Fund in early September, which is available for businesses and residents in the Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, Summerwood and Fall Creek areas.

The fund will provide residents and business owners fast funding, LHA Chamber CEO Jenna Armstrong said. Business owners should expect a check to be issued less than three weeks after applying if all the supporting documentation is in order, she said.

“If we can help pay a lease or bills for the business owner, that will free up funds for them to dedicate to recovering,” Armstrong said.

Corinn Price, who serves as Insperity’s director of community involvement, pitched the fund, Armstrong said. The Kingwood-based company expanded its commitment when it announced it will match donations to the fund up to $1 million Sept. 14.

“Corinn Price… called me during the storms—while she was volunteering at a shelter, no less—and said we should partner and set up a fund for our area,” Armstrong said. “She said the funds set up for Houston are great, but we need a fund to directly benefit our residents and businesses.”

Small business owners can apply online to receive assistance at www.lakehoustonarearelieffund.org. The chamber expects to wrap up the fund by Dec. 11.

“This catastrophic event has impacted lives and businesses across Southeast Texas, including our own customers and employees, and recovery will take all of us working together,” said Paul J. Sarvadi, Insperity chairman and chief executive officer.