When Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Houston in late August, it displaced Lake Houston area residents across the socioeconomic spectrum, said Millie Garrison, Humble Area Assistance Ministries executive director.

The devastation pushed many families from Humble, Kingwood and Atascocita to the HAAM Resale Shop to replace essentials that were damaged or destroyed, Garrison said.

“They’re calling it a 1,000-year flood,” she said. “A lot of people have never seen it. Who knew it was going to impact this whole area like that? Where before we had pockets, now we have the majority [of the Lake Houston area that was affected].”

The resale store carries several items that families in a crisis may need, such as furniture and housewares in addition to jewelry and clothing. It also carries toys, books, art, linens and entertainment items, such as guitars, pianos and older computers.

All items sold in the store are donated, and consignments are not offered, store manager Gary Gaillard said. The store does not take mattresses, pillows or overused items, he said.

“If you would want it, someone else would want it,” Garrison said. “If you wouldn’t want it, there’s a good chance no one else would want it.”

The store provides a revenue source for HAAM, generating 27 percent of its yearly income, Garrison said.

HAAM is a full-service nonprofit that partners with 30 churches in the area. It offers resources such as job training, financial help and a food pantry.

HAAM also offers vouchers to purchase items at the resale shop for local families. The nonprofit has already exceeded its budget for vouchers for the year due to increased demand after Harvey, Garrison said.

“We’re a crisis center for those who are the working poor and can’t make ends meet, and we try to drive them to self-sufficiency,” she said. “Do you need more education? Do you need a better job? And right now we’re in crisis mode with Harvey."