This year, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, or EFBHNM, celebrates 35 years as a nonprofit dedicated to easing hunger, preventing homelessness and uplifting the community—all fueled by faith, generosity and a network of more than 200 volunteers.
“In the '70s, it was just a bunch of volunteers handing out food to people that needed it,” Community Outreach Coordinator Mandy Bui said. “It started in a church basement ... people were like, ‘I just want to give back to the community.’”
About the organization
Today, the organization operates from its Stafford facility, serving thousands of families zoned to Fort Bend and Stafford Municipal ISDs, according to its website.
The ministry runs several programs, including the Interfaith Food Pantry, a financial assistance program offering temporary help with rent and utilities, and the Tri-City Churches Resale Shop, whose proceeds fund the outreach, Bui said.
EFBHNM receives no government funding, relying instead on local donors and a diverse volunteer base—ranging from grade school students to retirees—who help carry out its mission.
The bigger picture
According to the 2023 Texas ALICE Report by the United Way, Fort Bend County has a significant portion of residents struggling to meet basic needs, with nearly 20% of households falling into the ALICE category—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Additionally, almost 10% live at or below the federal poverty line.
Executive Director Stacy Williams said while most food pantry clients are low-income families who receive free or reduced school-price meals, there are no income eligibility requirements and anyone in need can access the pantry. The organization also provides short-term financial assistance, although eligibility requires some form of income, such as unemployment benefits, to ensure recipients can regain stability.
She said demand for both services is rising amid spiking living costs and cuts to federal assistance programs.
"As mortgage or rents rise, as food costs go up, Medicaid, and SNAP funding are getting cut, we've already seen clients being impacted,” Williams said.
Get involved
Bui said volunteers are vital to the operations, with several opportunities available, including at the resale shop for individuals 16 years and older, and the food pantry for those 18 and older. Typical tasks include sorting donations, packaging food and assisting clients.
Donations are also accepted in the form of money, gently used items and new hygiene products, according to its website.
Williams said in honor of the anniversary, EFBHNM has set a fundraising goal of $35,000 by mid-August. She said a matching pledge from a donor could double the impact, raising the total to $70,000 if the goal is reached.
- 435 Stafford Run Road, Stafford
- www.humanneeds.org
