Humble-based Family Promise of Lake Houston specifically helps homeless children and families serves the entire Lake Houston area, including parts of Montgomery County. There are other locations in Houston and Conroe. Director Jessica Penney said the nonprofit’s day center had a pipe burst and moved its families to safer, warmer homes. She said staff and volunteers are putting together hygiene kits as well.
“We have a staff of two and are doing what we can while also dealing with our own power and water concerns at home with our own families,” Penney said. “We are praying hard for this community and our whole state to pull through this together.”
Other nonprofits and organizations are also mobilizing. Caney Creek Cowboy Church will host a mobile market with free food at 5 p.m. at 17703 Nonesuch Road, Conroe. To deal with the intense cold, the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management opened warming centers across the county Feb. 16.
- Under Over Fellowship, 600 S. Frazier St., Conroe
- Church Project, 602 Pruitt Road, The Woodlands
- Madeley Ranch Elementary, 3500 Madeley Ranch Road, Montgomery
- Rob Fleming Recreation, 464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands
"There is water and snacks available and tables to sit at. ... It is not set up as a shelter but only a warming center. It’s open 24/7 until no longer needed," said John Shaw, pastor of city missions and integration at Church Project. Shaw said that as of early Feb. 16, only about a half dozen people had used the site, but he said he expects more throughout the day.
Dave Droll, a community member and the leader of the Hope Beyond Bridges homeless ministry, said cots and blankets were provided through MCOHSEM and that water and snacks were provided by Montgomery County Food Bank. Wellness checks, COVID-19 screenings and personal protective equipment are also available, he said.
Additionally, The Salvation Army Conroe, located at 304 Ave. E, Conroe, will remain open until Friday as a warming center, a representative responded when reached via a Facebook message. The facility will assess the weather Feb. 19 to determine whether it will remain open for additional time, according to the message.
