HUG INITIATIVE
HUG Houston (Helping, Uplifting, and Giving) is an outreach initiative committed to supporting underserved families and unhoused individuals in our community. Through collaborative efforts with agencies and volunteers, we provide essential resources, love, and opportunities for change, fostering hope and empowerment throughout Houston.
What's a Community Care Bag / Box
Bridging the Gap.
The need for Community HOPE Boxes is underscored by alarming statistics about financial hardship and homelessness in Texas. According to the United Way, nearly 50% of Texas households struggle to afford basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. Rising food costs have put additional pressure on families, with a 2022 No Kids Hungry poll revealing that 52% of Texans have had to choose between groceries and other essential expenses, such as rent or utilities, in the last year. For families with school-aged children, this figure rises to nearly two-thirds
Homelessness in Texas is also on the rise, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reporting a 12% increase in 2023. More than 27,000 Texans are without permanent housing, and about 43% of them live unsheltered on the streets. These troubling trends highlight the critical importance of providing immediate relief to those in need.
The Community HOPE Boxes offer up to $50 worth of essential items such as cleaning supplies (Fabuloso, Lysol), hygiene products (toothbrushes, soap, Colgate toothpaste), and laundry necessities (Tide Pods). These items help relieve the financial burden on families who struggle to afford them, allowing them to maintain clean and healthy living conditions, a small but meaningful way to preserve their dignity and offer hope during challenging times.
THE POWER OF HOPE
WHAT DOES HOPE BAGS / BOXES OFFER?
Cleaning Supplies
Fabuloso, Lysol, Dish Detergent
Cleaning supplies like Fabuloso and Lysol offer essential benefits, including disinfecting surfaces to reduce germs, versatile use for a thorough clean, and leaving a fresh scent throughout the home. These products help create a healthier, cleaner living environment with ease and efficiency.
Laundry Essentials
Tide Pods, Tide Detergent
Laundry essentials like Tide Pods offer families the convenience of pre-measured detergent, ensuring fresh and clean clothes with every wash. They remove tough stains, maintain fabric quality, and leave laundry smelling fresh, contributing to a hygienic and comfortable living environment for the whole family.
Hygiene Products:
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deoderant
Having toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap benefits families by promoting good hygiene practices, which can prevent illnesses and infections. Oral care items reduce dental issues, while soap ensures cleanliness, protecting against germs. These essentials foster a healthier, happier household and build positive daily routines.
Household Necessities
Trash bags and toilet paper for daily living needs.
Providing families with essentials like trash bags and toilet paper supports a clean, sanitary, and organized living space. Trash bags help manage waste efficiently, reducing the risk of clutter and germs, while toilet paper ensures personal hygiene, offering comfort and meeting daily household needs.
Tenisha
As a mom doing it all on my own, that CARE Bag felt like someone saying, ‘We see you.’ It meant the world to me
Gerald
I’ve served my country, and to receive that CARE Bag reminded me I haven’t been forgotten. It was more than supplies, it was respect.
Ashley
hat CARE Bag came right on time. With four little ones, even small things make a big difference. I felt cared for, not judged.