Board members, employees and community partners were invited to sign a beam March 26 with messages or scripture that would become a permanent fixture of the building. Construction is progressing at the 12930 Cypress North Houston Road, Cypress, site—about 1.5 miles away from CAM’s current Huffmeister Road location.
The $2.4 million project overseen by J.A. Greene Construction Services is slated for completion this fall, barring delays due to inclement weather, officials said.
Executive Director Martha Burnes said the new facility would provide a more convenient and efficient experience for clients to take care of all their needs in one place—whether they are shopping at the Angel’s Attic Resale store or taking classes.
“If you know CAM, you know that somebody who needs food and assistance comes into client services, and then we have to send them across the street to the food pantry. With this, all we have to do is send them down the hall,” Burnes said.
In addition to a food pantry that distributed nearly 1.2 million pounds of food in 2020, CAM offers several services for families in financial crisis, the elderly, the unemployed and other individuals in need. Programs range from GED and English as a second language classes to emergency rent and utility assistance, job readiness counseling and free school supplies for eligible children.
CAM relies on volunteers and donations to continue offering services to the local residents who need them most. Officials are also seeking monetary donations for furniture, fixtures and equipment.
Landscaping, windows, doors, light fixtures, a walk-in cooler and freezer, desks, tables and chairs have already been funded or provided. Major upcoming purchases include network cabling, computer hardware, signage, shopping carts, cubicles, industrial shelving and a commercial trash compactor, among other items.
The organization is running a “Buy a Brick” campaign in which individuals can purchase a $100-$250 brick engraved in honor or memoriam of a family member, friend, organization, place of worship or business. Bricks will ultimately be displayed on the new property.
Learn more about CAM services and how to support the organization at www.cypressassistance.org.
