The aroma of smoky, slow-cooked barbecue billowed through A.V. “Bull” Sallas Park as pitmasters served up juicy brisket and other savory favorites during the 16th Annual Chicks & Hogs BBQ and Brew-Fest on Sept. 26.
Music and laughter filtered through the crowd as children immersed themselves in the fun of the play zone. Nearby, adults sipped cold beverages in the beer garden while visiting with friendly neighbors. The philanthropic celebration also featured an agricultural festival and inaugural Rodeo Relay, a lighthearted obstacle course.
Behind the merriment was a mission to help local families experiencing homelessness.
Chicks & Hogs benefited Family Promise of Lake Houston, a nonprofit that provides transitional housing and intensive case management designed to help families achieve lasting independence. The event generates approximately one-quarter of the organization’s annual budget.
“Whether they realize what it’s ultimately for or not, it is the community coming together to be better and help each other,” says Jessica Penney, executive director of Family Promise. “That alone is beautiful.”
Family Promise accepts no state or federal funding, making community support essential to its work. The organization operates with only three staff members and directs approximately 97% of the money it raises toward services for families.
Participating families complete financial literacy training, meet weekly with a case manager, and save 80% of their income. They also receive parenting education, life-skills training, and other resources tailored to their individual needs.
Family Promise reports that 84% of participating families remain sustainably housed and employed two years after graduating. No family that has completed the program has returned to homelessness.
“Life comes at you fast sometimes,” Penney says. “We help people get back on their feet and give them a safe place to land.”
With every plate of barbecue served, Chicks & Hogs turned an afternoon of excitement into lasting relief for local families.