County assistance agencies report helping more local residents

Despite its booming housing and job markets, and in stark contrast to its perception, poverty has increased in The Woodlands since 2000.

According to The Woodlands Development Company, household incomes in The Woodlands under $25,000 have increased 3 percent in one year, while the number of residents with a household income of $100,00 to $200,000-plus has decreased, from 58 percent to 46 percent.

The average income in The Woodlands decreased from $118,704 in 2011 to $91,378 in 2012, a drop of 23 percent in one year, according to data compiled by the development company.

"The number of people we're seeing is staggering," said Sonia de Leon, Montgomery County Emergency Assistances director of Programs and Services. "We're seeing an increased need and a wider variety [of needs]."

The need

MCEA Director Tim Barnes said his organization has seen a large increase of residents from The Woodlands needing assistance with electricity and utility payments, as well as home-related financial requests.

Barnes said many Woodlands-area residents needing assistance find themselves in denial.

"They never thought, never dreamt, they would be in this situation," Barnes said. "Many of these people had financial assets, nice cars, high-paying jobs, salaries, but now they're in huge financial need and a bigger hole than lots of other people. They've lost a lot of dignity by the time they come to our door."

DeLeon said that since January, MCEA has received calls for assistance increase from a manageable 60 per day, to 80 per day in July, to an average of 105 in August.

DeLeon said she believes these numbers and needs will only track upward, with many of the calls for assistance stemming from job loss and households going from two incomes to only one.

"The numbers will stay [high]," DeLeon said. "We're closer to our general [low income] demographic [in Conroe], but we're seeing huge mortgage payments and electricity bill needs in The Woodlands."

Barnes said MCEA's typical clients fall into four categories. The first group are those who have a one-time crisis and will be back on their feet soon; the second group, those in denial about their worsening financial situations; the third group, who is "free-falling," and has lost most of what they once had,;and the final group, who Barnes described as the "chronic poor."

Barnes said many in need of assistance coming from The Woodlands fall into the second or third groups.

Barnes said many furniture and clothing donations MCEA receives have come from Woodlands residents, because people are downsizing and moving to smaller, more affordable homes.

"It's equivalent to a stripping of identity for many people," said Ayanna Robert, MCEA marketing director. "They've drained their 401Ks, sold off their luxury items, lost their jobs."

Though The Woodlands' housing market is performing well, Township Vice Chairwoman Peggy Hausman said The Woodlands is experiencing certain economic issues that are felt nationwide. She said many charities and organizations in the area, such as Interfaith of The Woodlands, are more than ready to help.

Hausman said the township also has an allocated amount of money to assist local homeowners with home repairs.

"If there are residents who have lost a job and need help with home repairs, we will go out and assist people," Hausman said. "The township will help if it can, but because we're not a municipality, there is no network of social services through the township."

Image misconception

Montgomery County United Way Director of Community Impact Vicky Shelledy said though The Woodlands is considered a high income area, it is a misconception that the need for aid goes unseen.

"It's a misnomer," Shelledy said. "Often people think everybody in The Woodlands is wealthy and they don't have needs, which is untrue, because there is low income housing in The Woodlands. There are old homes that need repair. That alone is enough, and when you look at the fact that costs are going up, health care costs increasing, of course there is need there."

MCEA Marketing Director Ayanna Robert said the economy and issues such as rising health care and home rental costs are making life more difficult for everyone, including Woodlands residents.

Barnes agreed and said the charitable organizations in the area will help as much as they can, budgets willing.

"It's a challenge for everyone, but that's why we're here," Barnes said.