Hope Impacts has remained open throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and has offered a place for people to shower, have a meal and do laundry. The nonprofit has also offered clean clothing as well as help with social services, such as applying for food stamps and a stimulus check, said Michelle Peddicord, a volunteer and the ministry director at Hope Impacts.
Although the nonprofit has continued to run during the pandemic, staff has taken extra precautions to prevent the spread of the virus by sanitizing often, taking daily temperature checks, asking health questions, encouraging hand-washing and providing face masks, Peddicord said.
“What we do is very important and was even more evident once COVID[-19] occurred,” Peddicord said.
Tina Hatcher, the founder and executive director of Hope Impacts, said she worries about the future as the pandemic continues to contribute to layoffs and, in turn, homelessness in the Katy area.
“We worry sometimes about things that haven’t happened yet, and the fear of the unknown can be debilitating to our mind, body, soul and spirit. We are resourceful people, but it’s hard to ask for help,” Hatcher said. “Katy does not have many resources for those facing situational or chronic homelessness.”
Local residents can help those experiencing homelessness by continuing to support the nonprofits who work with these individuals, Peddicord said.
“We’ve gotten through hard times before,” Hatcher said. “We will get through this.”
Hope Impacts
802 Dominion Drive, Katy713-705-7884
www.hopeimpacts.org
