Community LUV Food Security Program

Lifting Up Our Vulnerable

What is the Issue?

Houston is praised as one of the best cities in America for food lovers, with more than 10,000 restaurants representing cuisine from all over the world, but it is one of the worst cities for food security.

The food insecurity rate in Houston is approximately 15%, with an alarming 1 out of 4 children facing hunger in the Houston/Harris County area.

Hunger is more than a food problem– it is an education problem, an employment problem, a fair-wage problem, a healthcare problem, a crime problem, a mental health problem, and an access to quality-of-life problem.

What are we doing to help?

Dine-In Hot Meals

Participants are greeted into SHAPE at 9 AM to enjoy hot coffee and pastries, with a side of friendly conversation and fellowship, as we get ready for lunch.

The menu is created and prepared by Nedzra’s In-SHAPE Café with assistance from the SHAPE Board, staff, and volunteers.

Instead of sending the food to-go, it is our intention to provide community members with a welcoming environment in which they can comfortably enjoy some delicious food and be out of the elements for at least a few hours.

Hot Showers

Food always tastes better when you’re clean and fresh!

The Community LUV program seeks to assist people who are experiencing homelessness, especially in an unsheltered environment. Unfortunately, the lack of access to showering facilities is a consistent barrier.

Prior to lunch, SHAPE provides free showers for all Community LUV participants. Through our community partnerships, participants can privately shower in motel rooms where they receive their choice from a selection of free undergarments and clothing.

Access to showers not only improves hygiene, but also builds self-esteem and helps people who are unsheltered to feel more comfortable in seeking services they need.

Barber/Beauty Services

A good hair day goes a long way in helping people feel more confident. Community LUV participants enjoy free on-site hair care services in between showering and lunch service.

Improved hair hygiene can have a positive impact on mental health and limit the risk of some disease factors. Additionally, hair care can lead to improvements in other areas of self-care.

FREE SERVICES

·Hot showers

·Clean clothing

·Hot dine-in meals

·Barber services

·Community health education

·Social services

·Financial education services

·Toiletries and personal care distributions