What's new at CCSC?

March 2026

Feeding Hunger, Fostering Hope,

Furthering Success

An architect’s rendering of the food pantry CCSC will open within the St. Austin Center at 2002 S. Wayside Dr.

CCSC, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word

to Launch Food Pantry in the East End

As part of its 2030 Strategic Vision, CCSC will partner with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word to open a new client-choice food pantry this summer within the St. Austin Center in Houston’s East End.

“Our Strategic Vision is to serve 50% more Houstonians in need by 2030, our 50th year of service,” CCSC President & CEO Michelle Shonbeck said. “The new pantry, and our partnership with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, is an important component of that vision.”

“We are grateful to God for giving us an opportunity to welcome CCSC as a partner with us in this special ministry, the choice-market pantry at St. Austin Center in the East End. It is a joy for us, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, to collaborate with others who share our commitment to serving our most vulnerable neighbors. We look forward to growing this partnership, and together, offering an incarnate witness to God’s love and care in our city,” said Sr. Kim-Phuong Tran, CCVI, a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston.

Food pantries are an essential resource for Houstonians facing basic needs crises, and those numbers are growing. One in five Houstonians—approximately 21.2% of the city’s residents—are living at or below the poverty line, according to the most recent U. S. Census Bureau report. That is the highest poverty rate among America’s most populous cities. Houston also has the highest child poverty rate among the top 10 U.S. Cities—31.7% of those ages 18 or younger. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau).

CCSC’s vision of helping 50% more Houstonians in need will be achieved by streamlining processes, maximizing current resources, growing donor and volunteer participation, and expanding its Emergency Services and Workforce Development programs.

This is a bold vision, but with your help, we can increase our impact. Ways you can help: follow us on social media (@ccschouston) to learn about volunteer needs and food drives; run donation drives for gently used clothing and shelf-stable food; volunteer individually or as a group; invite us to speak to your community (call 713-961-3993); and donate to our mission at ccschouston.org.

Together, we can make a difference.

Auction, Raffle Open to All

You Do Not Have to be

Present to Win

Don't miss these incredible Azalea Gala Raffle and Big Board Auction Items! Raffle tickets are just $30, and you don't need to attend the Gala to win.

Register with your cell phone number at bit.ly/CCSCAzaleaGala to purchase raffle tickets today and browse auction items. Online bidding for the Big Board Auction opens Friday, March 20, and closes at 8:00 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. (depending on item) on March 25. Start planning your bids today!

Raffle highlights:

• $500 Southwest Airlines gift card & AWAY luggage set

• $1,600+ worth of gift cards to Houston restaurants

• 20 LEGO sets & LEGO play table

• A Year of floral arrangements

Every raffle ticket and auction win supports struggling Houstonians. Share the link with friends and family who also want to help our neighbors in need.

Visit Our Garden

Open House

The CCSC Garden team is gearing up to plant and harvest a new season of fresh fruits and vegetables for visitors to our two food pantries.

Come by and take a look during the Garden Open House, 9-11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25. Garden volunteers will show visitors the seedling greenhouse, herb bed, raised vegetable beds, and composting area, and chat about what it takes to keep a garden thriving year-round in Houston.

The Garden is located on the campus of St. Luke’s Gethsemane Church, 6856 Bellaire Blvd. (at Bintliff St.), Houston, TX 77074, just across from the fire station. Parking is available on the west side of campus. This is a come-and-go event.

“I am always happy to see the smiles on the faces of our clients when they can take home fruits and vegetables that volunteers have grown in the Garden,” Emergency Services-Southwest Assistant Manager Keven Salazar said.

If you are interested in volunteering in the Garden, contact CCSC Volunteer Manager Beth Robertson at brobertson@ccschouston.org or fill out a volunteer interest form on our website HERE. For additional information on the Garden Open House, contact Emergency Services-Southwest Manager Pat Weatherspoon-Hall at 713-402-5154.

Bingo Fundraiser

to Benefit CCSC

Get your bingo on at The Ladies of Houston Charity's April 21 Bingo Fundraiser benefiting CCSC.

The fun takes place 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Hilton Houston Westchase, 9999 Westheimer Road.

Open Seating tickets are $75 and Reserved Seating tickets (for six or more) are $100. The ticket price includes lunch, bingo cards, and a door prize ticket. There will also be a cash bar and raffle. Purchase tickets at LadiesofHoustoncharity.org. Parking is free (enter from Briarpark).

Be a Helper: CCSC Volunteers

Make a Difference

Studies show volunteering promotes satisfaction and increases physical and mental health. If you've been thinking about getting involved, think about CCSC.

Volunteer Manager Beth Robertson would love to chat with you about how you can make a difference in the lives of struggling Houstonians by giving four hours of your time one day each week. At CCSC, volunteerism works on a team model, meaning you always volunteer with the same folks. You get to know them, and they get to know you; you build community.

Be part of our community. We think you'll love it! Email Beth at brobertson@ccschouston.org or fill out a volunteer interest form on our website HERE.

Our mission is to serve the poor, hungry, disabled and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic or cultural differences.

Give to CCSC

Become a Hope Builder

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