Giving Guide: Neighbors in Need Nonprofits in the Coastal Bend

The Coastal Bend is filled with incredible nonprofits and grassroots initiatives. While there are too many worthy organizations to list in one feature, we’re hoping the ones highlighted here provide you with a place to start. Make sure to read about each of the published nonprofits in our December issue by checking out the full feature!

HEALTHCARE & NUTRITION 

• Mission of Mercy – With a mission to restore dignity and “healing through love,” Mission of Mercy works to provide free healthcare to the unhoused and uninsured population. Along with medical, dental, and vision care, it provides hands-on nutrition, diabetes management, and dental health classes to the community.

SERVICES & SHELTER 

• Mother Teresa Shelter – The Mother Teresa Shelter works to create opportunities to help break the cycle of homelessness by implementing the fundamental components of a Continuum of Care System. It provides comprehensive, community-based outreach services to unhoused individuals and families during the day, in hopes that they will regain their stability.

SHELTER ASSISTANCE 

• Corpus Christi Hope House – Corpus Christi Hope House assists single and pregnant mothers, their dependent children, and newborn babies in need. Transitional housing, 24-7 emergency shelter, food, clothing, basic life skills training, job opportunities, and its Rapid Rehousing Program are just a few of the services the Hope House has in place to serve the community. 

SHELTER & PROGRAMS 

• Mission 911 – This faith-based mission established in April 2000 serves the community by providing shelter, spiritual and financial support, clothing, and basic life skills to those who need them. This strategy allows for residents to feel like family and to strive for self-sufficiency. Through this social service organization, folks are provided with housing, meals, transportation, life skills, spiritual counseling, and drug and alcohol counseling. 

SHELTER & RESOURCES 

• Metro Ministries – Everyone deserves a fighting chance to improve their situation, and Corpus Christi Metro Ministries provides that chance. This non-profit organization works to meet the needs of the less fortunate by providing food, shelter, and resources to help get the unhoused population off the streets and into sustainable jobs and homes.

SHELTER ASSISTANCE

• Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi – The Catholic Charities reaches out to the most vulnerable populations, and works to reduce and eliminate poverty, support families, and empower communities. Its advocacy for social change helps actively promote family and individual self-sufficiency, while broadening opportunities for the growth and independence of the unhoused population. 

Photo Provided by Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi

SHELTER & PROGRAMS 

• Good Samaritan – The Good Samaritan is a faith-based shelter in Corpus Christi and is the only area shelter that receives unhoused clients “around the clock,” without an I.D., accompanied by their pets, even when mildly intoxicated. Unique employment opportunities are offered through a “Work for Bed” program, and it provides transportation to and from work for those who need it. Individuals are also served three hot meals per day, year-round, along with fun daily activities. 

UNHOUSED WOMEN & CHILDREN 

• Wesley Community Center – The Wesley Community Center is dedicated to aiding the unhoused population by providing permanent housing, support services, and emergency meals for mothers and their dependent children without homes. Children ages 0-12 have access to learning centers, tutoring services, and health and wellness checkups. Its food pantry also provides more than 16,000 meals annually to low-income and houseless individuals.  

How to Get Involved:

Many of the organizations that give back to the community are able to do so due to monetary donations, but volunteering your time is just as important and greatly appreciated.

• Mission of Mercy is looking for medical personnel, data entry, and registration, and office assistants are greatly encouraged to volunteer.  
• Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter are looking for a helping hand in the Food Pantry, as well as the Ministry and Life Enrichment and Parents as Teachers programs. 
• Corpus Christi Hope House is now accepting volunteers for hosting events, donating gifts and food to the families, and providing housekeeping services for the mothers and children.  
• Metro Ministries hosts events throughout the year including the Poor Man’s Supper, where guests come to share a simple meal of stew in a bowl to connect in a profound way to those coming through the doors seeking to be fed with dignity. 
• Mission 911 is currently seeking volunteers for its Clothing Closet, Golf Tournament (Dec. 4), and Christmas Festival (Dec. 12). You can call the mission to be placed on a volunteer list. 
• The Wesley Community Center is seeking resources for its family units and volunteer assistance at both locations. Call or email the center to find out specific needs at this time, as they vary.

To view the other nonprofits published in our December issue, check out the full feature!