KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 11, 2022
By Natalie Cook Clark
The Katy-area continues to experience record temperature highs. Today is reported to reach 104. Hope impacts, a Katy based non-profit, is extending their hours and seeking volunteers and donations to help those who can’t stay inside.
Hope Impacts extends hours to help get those they serve out of the heat. The Katy nonprofit needs supplies and volunteers. Photo courtesy of Hope impacts.
Katy based non-profit Hope impacts is extending the hours and asking for community help as they work to help those who can’t escape this recording breaking heat.
Currently Serving Around 160 People
The non-profit was founded in 2014 and focuses on giving hope and dignity to locals facing homelessness. The group has seen a steady increase in area homelessness since Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the pandemic. Currently they serve around 160 people and see 3-5 new people weekly.
“It’s awful hot out there,” says Tina Hatcher, founder and executive director of Hope Impacts. “We have had three people taken to the hospital in the past two weeks due to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”
Hours Extended All this Week
Hope Impacts is extending their hours all this week (July 11-July 15, 2022.) They will be open at their 802 Dominion Ste 900 location from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
“This heat risks their body and mind,” explains Hatcher. “They cannot stay hydrated and cool enough. People can die in this extreme heat.”
Katy has no local shelters and according to Hope Impacts the downtown Houston shelters are full. Those without homes cannot stay in their vehicles because temperatures can get up to 120 degrees.
“They run out of gas because they are trying to cool off,” says Hatcher. “Gas is expensive too. No business wants them hanging around.”
Hatcher says that they desperately need supplies. The food pantry is running low.
Hope Impacts currently needs:
Food
Gatorade and water
Gas cards
Gift cards
Flavor packets
AAA and AA batteries
Gently used summer clothes and shoes
No show socks
Deodorant
Laundry pods
Mens new cotton boxed briefs
Donations can be dropped off at their office during business hours. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at their website.
Even with extending the cooling center hours, Hatcher says that they know they won’t all come in because they don’t want to leave their belongings or animals.
Katy Homelessness Population Continues to Grow
Lately, the homeless population has grown under the overpasses of 99 near Clay and Morton Ranch Road.
“We are trying hard to keep everyone as hydrated as possible,” says Hatcher. “We do what we can at Hope impacts, but it never seems like it’s enough. We need a truly sustainable solution to homelessness.”
Learn more about Hope Impacts and how you can help at their website.