Impact: A Refuge in the Heart of Houston

We call them “outdoorsmen.” Others use the term “homeless.” It is hard to lump all into one category, but Impact serves a special group of people on a regular basis who don’t have access to basic amenities like showers, laundry machines, or a kitchen. Some of our “homeless” have made homes in tents and garage spaces. Others are more mobile, but when harsh weather hits, like what Houston experienced in early January, Impact wants to be available to all who need assistance. When the temperatures fell to the 20’s for a string of days, Impact opened its doors for those who needed overnight shelter. The Impact kitchen was running almost non-stop making stew, rice and beans, gumbo, and a hearty Chicken Alfredo for a crowd of 76 homeless who needed refuge from the sub-freezing temperatures. Some ministers were around for limited oversight. However, our kitchen staff is so dedicated, energized, and capable, and our guests were so appreciative that all work was being done with ease. Everyone was watching out for one another, and attitudes were incredible. We stayed open from Thursday evening to Monday afternoon, and you would have never known it just walking through our service on Sunday morning. More and more of those we served are making time to give back by volunteering. Others are taking steps to help themselves by using our computers to attain special licenses, or by seeking help they have been putting off. Impact is meeting that enthusiasm with new efforts. A property on Weber St. has been remodeled to house 7 residents as they participate in a recovery program. More ministers are becoming involved in seminars and conferences to gain information, training, and networking from other area organizations that care for those on the streets of our city. Many things like Sunday lunches, midday bible studies, recovery groups, and even the Superbowl Party are things that primarily benefit them, but bless the church in general and give us the opportunity to spend and grow together.