Founded in January 2016 by Shereen Sampson, Abigail’s Place started by assisting single mothers with housing payments, providing food and clothing, and restoring and furnishing homes.
In 2017, the nonprofit purchased its first duplex to serve as an emergency shelter for displaced mothers. Now, the organization has three duplexes and is aiming to open four more in 2022.
Abigail’s Place aims to provide a place where single mothers can get their life back on track in a stress-free environment, said Aaron Groff, the organization’s executive director and the mayor of Fulshear.
“During that time, we hope that it’s a place of rest, a safe haven. It’s a place where they can relax but at the same time take some next steps towards self-sustainability,” he said. “The goal is at the end of the program that they’re living in an apartment or a home that they are providing for, and [they are] providing for their family.”
The families using the residences are provided with gift cards for food shopping; professional clothing for job interviews; help with child care; job assistance, such as obtaining additional job certifications; and more.
Most mothers end up staying for three to four months—though some have moved out in as little as six weeks—while others end up staying longer, Groff said.
Since some mothers are coming into the program from domestic violence situations, the shelter does not use signage and monitors the houses for added safety measures.
To make sure mothers feel at home, each three-bedroom unit has multiple beds for the kids in two of the rooms and a single room for the mother. Groff said the program is often helping to prevent homelessness.
Applicants must have custody of their children, have a job or be actively seeking employment, have reliable transportation, and have a plan in mind, Groff said.
“I think it’s extremely important because it gives so many people hope,” he said. “Most people are looking for opportunities to better their circumstances and their situation. [When] they live with us, we have that opportunity to invest [in them] and give them a hand up.”
