Beyond the Backpack: Our Ongoing Commitment to Families

When the last backpack was handed out and the music faded from the HUG HTX Back-to-School Block Party, our work was not finished—it had only just begun. Serving over 410 families in one day was an incredible milestone, but at Community180, we believe true support extends far beyond a single event.

Our mission is rooted in the belief that support isn’t found in events alone but in the collective effort to see families cross the finish line. That’s why, following this year’s back-to-school giveaway, our team made a clear commitment: to continue walking with families throughout the school year, meeting not only immediate needs but also building pathways to long-term stability.

Meeting Needs That Go Beyond the Classroom

The reality is stark. In Houston and Southeast Texas, more than 1 in 3 families struggle to cover basic necessities, and children are often the ones most affected. According to recent reports, nearly 40% of low-income households report not being able to afford adequate shoes for their children each year. This means students may start the school year with a new pair, but by mid-year, many are wearing shoes that are too small, worn out, or no longer safe.

We cannot allow these gaps to hinder a child’s confidence, health, or educational journey. Shoes, uniforms, and other essentials are not luxuries, they are necessities for a child to fully participate in school and in life.

How We’re Responding

Our commitment is to partner with families throughout the year, not just during seasonal events. This includes:

• Ongoing Resource Support – working closely with community partners to provide clothing, shoes, food, and school supplies as needs arise.

• Call Center & Case Workers – maintaining direct contact with families, offering feedback loops, resource referrals, and personalized case management.

• Partnership Expansion – collaborating with businesses, schools, and faith-based organizations to fund and deliver ongoing care.

  
  

Building Bridges, Together

This work is not possible without collaboration. By joining hands with Harvest Time Church, Walmart, Altitude Trampoline Park, PNC Bank, Aldine ISD, Harris County Health, Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson, and many other valued partners, we have already shown what is possible when community works together.

But the journey does not stop with a backpack. It continues in every pair of shoes provided, every resource referral made, and every family reminded that they are not walking alone.

As we move forward, we invite you, our partners, donors, and community members, to remain part of this story. Together, we can meet both the visible and hidden needs of families, ensuring that children not only start strong but finish strong.

Let’s continue to partner and build better, tougher, and stronger communities, because when families thrive, our entire community rises.