Basic Necessities

Addressing poverty and crisis-related issues: homelessness prevention, unemployment, underemployment, hunger.

  • Emergency Services

    The work of Christian Community Service Center started with providing food to Houston residents in need. Over the years, this program came to be called Emergency Services and it has grown to include a variety of basic needs provisions: groceries, clothing, hygiene items, financial help for rent and utilities, medical offerings, and referrals/information. All of these provisions help community members “in the moment” by addressing poverty- and crisis-related issues: homelessness prevention, unemployment, underemployment, hunger, etc. CCSC runs two Emergency Services sites, one in the Greenway Plaza area and one in the Sharpstown area.

    Emergency Services is managed by a team of professional staff members and carried out with the help of dozens of generous and caring volunteers. These volunteers serve in every program area: administrative, reception, client interviewing, grocery packing and more. Bilingual volunteers are always needed to communicate with our Spanish-speaking clients.

  • Program Approach and Offerings

    CCSC’s approach to addressing everyday basic needs assistance is three-fold:

    • Develop relationships with clients, understanding their situations so that we can determine which CCSC services are appropriate and refer them to outside organizations that offer complementary services.
    • Provide people in need with daily essentials, emphasizing food, clothing, and hygiene items.
    • Provide financial assistance with rent or utilities during crises so clients can maintain consistent residency and standard living conditions.

     

    Program Approach and Offerings
  • Food Pantry

    Food Pantry
    Our two food pantries provide nutritious packages of food to those experiencing hunger or food insecurity. The packages were designed with input from dieticians yet allow for customization based on client preferences. In addition to these staples, clients may also receive fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the CCSC Garden. Special accommodations are made for clients who are homeless. CCSC errs on the side of generosity with food—there is rarely a situation where we would not provide groceries to someone in need.

    Food Pantry
  • Financial Assistance

    Limited financial assistance is available for rent or utility payments. Because we invest higher dollar amounts in this area, the process is more discerning and detailed. Appointments are scheduled after a pre-screening conversation.

    Emergency Services also has resources to provide limited assistance with medical needs (prescription medications, eye exams/eyeglasses, and urgent dental services). Clients are asked to call ahead for eligibility and availability.

     

     

    Financial Assistance
  • Referrals and Information

    Many community members are not aware of the varied nonprofit resources available to them. Our team maintains referral information and partnerships to ensure that clients are connected to other agencies when appropriate. Common needs include childcare, low-cost housing, and healthcare. Emergency Services works closely with CCSC’s Employment and Financial Stability programs (JobNet, Martha’s Way and the Professional Home Caregiver Training Program) to promote the use of those skill-building and career-support offerings.

    Referrals and Information
  • Service Area

    Emergency Services has a large service area that includes many of the highest-need areas in Greater Houston. Because other nonprofits are poised to serve other areas, our 29 zip codes are targeted to minimize duplication of services as well as connect our neighbors to the resources that are geographically closest to them.

    Emergency Services-Central
    3434 Branard St.
    Houston, TX 77027
    713-871-9741
    Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & Saturday 9 a.m.-Noon

    • Food Packages

    • Clothing

    • Rent or Utilities (Call for Appointment)

    • Hygiene Items

    • Medical Assistance

    Get Directions 

     

    Emergency Services-Southwest
    6856 Bellaire Blvd.
    Houston, TX 77074
    713-871-9741
    Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.  10 a.m.-1 p.m. & Saturday 9 a.m.-Noon

    • Food Packages
    • Rent or Utilities (Call for Appointment)
    • Hygiene Items
    • Medical Assistance

    Get Directions

    Service Area
  • Donations

    Nonperishable donations are always needed and welcomed at our food pantries. Items often come to CCSC through generous individuals, member churches, and community drives. Most desired items include hearty soups, peanut butter, dry cereal, pasta sauce, canned tuna and chicken, and canned fruits and vegetables. Clients also often request hygiene items: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and individually wrapped toothbrushes.

    Donation Hours
    Donations are accepted at both Emergency Services locations during operating hours (see above) or by appointment.  To schedule a donation drop-off, please call 713-961-3993.

    Donations
  • Indicators of Progress

    The Emergency Services team circles back to clients who previously received financial assistance to determine the effectiveness of our investments. For the latest financial assistance outcomes report, please click the link below:

    Emergency Services 2021 Financial Assistance Outcomes

    Indicators of Progress