West Houston Assistance Ministries Inc

Provides groceries for families and their pets, and nonperishable food to homeless clients in both a drive-thru and a grocery store setting that allows clients to select their own food from the wide assortment available. Following covid19, we also offer food in a safe, drive-thru setting where food and household items are loaded into car trunks in an efficient, contactless, manner. We offer extended hours for working clients, dedicated hours for senior citizens and the disabled, monthly community food fairs, cooking classes, referrals to healthcare and other services to families, as well as programs that provide food to college students, senior citizens, families with school-aged children, and summer lunches to children who lose access to school-provided meals during the summer months. Wham's platinum-rated (continued on pg. 60)(continued from pg. 3) food pantry is the largest in west houston, and has been designated by the houston food bank as one of a few trusted hub agencies distributing food to smaller agencies. Over 109,021 people received food assistance from us in fy2024, with 1,881,039 pounds of food distributed.

Part of the organization, and dependent on community members' donations of gently worn clothing, furniture, books, artwork, etc., our social enterprise benefits the local economy by having its sales revenue going right back into the organization to invest on the operation of our programs to help families in need. Every dollar stays in our community and helps those suffering in the greater houston area. Our store also makes it possible for us to distribute clothing and shoes to clients in need and professional attire to those seeking employment through our employment programs. It also benefits the environment by reducing waste, and encouraging reuse and recycling. Overall, the store saved about 528,245 pounds of consumables from going to area landfills and funded 5% of our programs in fy 2024.