Ms. Jones had dedicated seven years to raising her three children when she found herself in dire financial straits. The 37-year-old single mother and domestic violence survivor dreamed of becoming a certified nursing assistant but had been unable to complete the licensing exam during a demanding pregnancy.
Receiving little financial support each month and relying on help from her parents, Jones was gradually falling behind on rent and utilities when she sought assistance. She reached out to HAAM Social Services, formerly known as Humble Area Assistance Ministries, seeking to improve her family’s financial circumstances.
The philanthropic organization, founded on Valentine’s Day in 1990, was created after 16 clergy members recognized gaps in the process of obtaining assistance. They realized that together, they could more strategically respond to the needs of their congregants and the community.
“HAAM really tries to serve as a one-stop shop for our neighbors in need,” Executive Director Millie Garrison says. “We want to provide as much as we can right here so that they are not using limited time and money going from place to place to get assistance.”
That’s exactly what HAAM was able to provide to Jones at a crucial point in her life. After being referred to HAAM, she entered its navigator program. This enabled her to receive immediate assistance with utility costs and rent. The nonprofit not only met her most pressing needs, but it helped protect her future by ushering her through a 12-week certified nursing assistant program and helping her obtain a license.
HAAM serves 13 ZIP codes throughout northeast Harris County and east Montgomery County. Originally focused primarily on food assistance, HAAM has grown to encompass seven program areas: basic needs, education, employment, family services, supportive services, senior services, and disaster relief and recovery. Its services include food, rent and utility assistance, mental health counseling, professional training, financial education, career support, and Meals on Wheels.
The organization takes a wraparound approach because the barriers facing families are often intertwined.
Tiffany Stafford, HAAM’s chief development and strategy officer, says underemployment is one of the most common challenges currently in the community. Many clients already work but do not earn enough to meet their families’ needs. Unforeseen circumstances, such as storms, inflation, and job losses, have also prompted more moderate-income households to seek assistance.
Jones was ultimately able to become licensed as a certified nursing assistant and obtained a job in her chosen field within three weeks of completing her coursework. She has since created a more stable home and financial future for her family.
“There’s a real sense of gratitude because you are being used by God to help someone else improve their life,” Stafford says.
HAAM works alongside about 30 covenant partners and enlists the help of approximately 4,000 volunteers each year. Supporters can also contribute financially, through prayer, and by donating items to HAAM’s three resale stores.
“That’s what it means to be part of a community,” Stafford says. “Why not offer whatever your piece of the puzzle is to create the community that we all want to live in?”
To volunteer with HAAM, donate, or learn more about its assistance programs, visit HAAMMinistries.org.