KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
October 25, 2021
By Natalie Cook Clark
Hardships from the pandemic, freeze, and economic climate continue to impact Katy resulting in the increase of homelessness. Katy based non-profit, Hope impacts debuts a new event hoping not just to fundraise to meet the growing need, but to showcase the talent of those they serve through art.
There's still a few team spots for Hope impact's 6th Annual Golf Tournament. Photo credit: Hope Impacts
Hope Impacts, a Katy based non-profit focused on giving hope and dignity to locals facing homelessness, has seen a steady increase in area homelessness since Hurricane Harvey in 2017. They have two upcoming events aimed to raise awareness and help fund their needs.
Natural Disasters, Pandemic Both Reasons for Homelessness Increase
“Through no fault of their own thousands of people were affected by natural disasters, the pandemic which potentially affected not only our health, but our finances, our livelihoods, our ability to provide for our families and communities, and ourselves,” says Hope impacts founder and Executive Director Tina Hatcher.
Hope impacts currently serves around 135 people in area. That is just who they serve, not an account for the area's homeless population. According to Hope Impacts, over 1,000 children are considered in the Harris County and Fort Bend County areas that they serve.
“The Freeze affected thousands of homes that are still waiting on repair and do not cover renters that lost everything due to busted pipes,” says Hatcher. Her own daughter is still displaced and living with extended family after the home she rented for 12 years sustained freeze damage making it uninhabitable.
“Situational homelessness occurs when we cannot provide our own housing for reasons such as job loss, medical emergency, divorce, natural disaster or other life altering events,” explains Hatcher.
Hope Impacts serves the tri-county area of Harris, Ft Bend, and Waller County.
They depend on donations and sponsors in order to be able to serve the community in need. They have two upcoming events, their 6th annual Golf Tournament and the first Heart for Hope Gala.
Heart for Hope Art Gala Showcases Talent, Stories
“We are looking forward to showing the community that people experiencing homelessness are people with stories, gifts, talents, and dreams,” says Hatcher, who believes the event will offer hope, dignity, and the opportunity to build relationships.
The Heart for Hope Gala is November 14 from 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. at the Art Museum of TX (2717 Commercial Center Blvd.) in LaCenterra across of the Alamo Drafthouse.
Tickets are $50 each. It is a family event, but due to the art, children must be accompanied all times by an adult.
Guests can enjoy live music by Gabe Montoya plus appetizers and desserts by Rouxpour, wine tasting, champagne, live art and local talent of various mediums.
“We hope to educate people about the fact that homelessness can happen to anyone and none of us are immune,” says Hatcher.
Click here for tickets and more information.
Golf Tournament Returns to Weston Lakes
November 1 is Hope Impacts 6th Annual Golf Tournament and Auction. There is still room for a few more teams. They are excited to return to Weston Lakes. Last year, due to Covid protocols, the event was moved to Willow Fork, but still had 20 teams.
“We have some great silent auction items including several Golf courses, a Frio River Home, 4 2022 Astros tickets, local gift cards, and restaurants, and more,” says Hatcher.
To sign up a team or contribute to the auction email the chair, Mark Wiley.
Offer Resources, Referrals, and Opportunities
“Although there are no shelters in the communities we serve, we do what we can to build relationships, offer a safe community, and assess each person's situation to be able to give resources, referrals and opportunities to help them improve their challenging situations,” says Hatcher.
Through such events and community relations, Hope impacts has established partnerships with many great organizations to seek solution for those experiencing homelessness, both chronic and situational.
Hope Impacts Adds Second Fort Bend County
This week they will host the grand opening for their second office in Ft Bend County at the Attack Poverty Friends of North Rosenberg Community Center located at 1908 Avenue E Rosenberg Tx 77471.
“Every community is different and we look forward to continuing great partnerships in Richmond and Rosenberg as well as Katy as we seek to address the reality of homelessness and seek solutions to make sure every person that we serve knows that they are seen, heard, and valued,” says Hatcher.
Hope Impacts is always in need of donations. Follow a complete list of needs at their website.
Donations can be dropped off at their Katy office:
9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday (The office will remain closed on Fridays) 802 Dominion Drive Suite 900 Katy, Texas 77450
They ask that you call 713-705-7884 prior to dropping off donations.
“Our goal is to love people where they are but too much to leave them there and offer hope and dignity to those experiencing homelessness through our core values of grace, compassion, community and accountability,” says Hatcher.