COVID-19 Relief: Stories of Gratitude

Since March of 2020, Communities In Schools of Houston has been distributing emergency financial relief to our students and their families dealing with the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 health crisis, which has exacerbated existing disparities across our city.

With the help of support from the community, CIS has been able to provide financial relief to nearly 1,000 families. We received grants to provide financial assistance for families from the Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund and the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund which is distributed by a partnership of The United Way of Greater Houston and The Greater Houston Community Foundation. Along with these grants we have received emergency funding from individual supporters, as well as corporations including H-E-B, Enbridge, and Regions Bank.

The impact this relief has had on our families has been a glimmer of hope during hard times, providing much-needed relief as we continue to face the effects of the pandemic.

Stories of Gratitude from CIS of Houston Students and Families

LONE STAR COLLEGE

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen for this award. Due to Covid-19, I have lost my job. However, this grant has allowed me to pay for bills, as well as buy my little brother his school supplies and school clothes. This award has given me so many possibilities for which I could not be more grateful.”

- Student, Lone Star College - North Harris

“These funds honestly helped me and my family so much. Me and my family tested positive for COVID over a month ago, we ended up struggling with buying groceries and home essentials. We only had enough for the bills. With this money I bought groceries but mostly my daughter finally is continuing her speech therapy. I cannot be more thankful!"

- Student, Lone Star College - North Harris

“The Communities In Schools Department has not only been a place of refuge as a single mother, 1st time college student, but the CIS Team, and counselors have been there for me devoting not only emotional support but valuable resources that have helped my small family of 3 get by.

The CIS Team allocated emergency funds for my family on the brinks of homelessness. The funds made rent possible. The funds made transportation accessible for medical needs. The funds made life possible and breathable again, for myself and my 2 small children and for that I cannot be more grateful.

From the bottom of my heart, Thank you Holly. Thank You CIS Team at LSC North Harris. I am filled with gratitude not only for the financial support but most importantly, I trust and believe I will always have a place of refuge, CIS Dept. Not even the virus of the century, or a national stay at home order can keep from me. With much gratitude, and appreciation, Thanks for having my back!”

- Student, Lone Star College - North Harris

“Due to the pandemic, I was force to deflate my savings to help my family cover our necessities such as food, shelter and medical expenses. Therefore, continuing my education was no longer certain; however, thanks to the COVID-19 relief funds from Communities In Schools, I’ll be able to pay my enrollment fee at a 4-years university and even pay for some of the five classes that I’ll take this Fall! I am very blessed that CIS personal helped me trough the application’s process!”

- Student, Lone Star College - North Harris

sPRING BRANCH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

"I am a single mom with one amazing child. As I came here seeking the American Dream, I lost my husband a month into us living here to a heart attack. I was pushed to work harder to give my daughter and I the life my husband dreamed about for us. My daughter became sick and I couldn't lose her either. I worked to pay medical, food, housing, and utilities. There are days where I have no idea how we will pay for necessities. With the financial assistance I have received, this will help sustain me to keep a roof over our heads and allowed me the opportunity to spend a few minutes with my daughter before I head to work. Know that this assistance means the world to me and I pray for each an every person who made this happen. May God bless you and your families abundantly. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

- Parent, Landrum Middle School, SBISD

“This money is going to help me buy clothes and make sure I can pay rent to stay where I am staying.”

- Student, Northbrook High School, SBISD

“ This money will help our family so much. We have medical bills, a car note and a rent payment that we need to make so this a blessing for my family and an honor to receive this money.”

- Student, Northbrook High School, SBISD

 
 
cropped RIDGECREST NOTE.png
These lines are directed to all the employees involved in helping families like mine, Thanks for the donation, you provided my family with something wonderful. Thank you for your generosity and caring hearts full of love.
GOD BLESS every person and moment that made possible the help and support you provide to all families in need Sincerely, Ridgecrest Family

- Parents, Ridgecrest Elementary School, SBISD

 

Alief Independent School District

“Ms. Richardson thank you so much, you have no idea how much of a strain this has been. I thank you for even thinking about me, I'm in tears right now. I lost my job, my truck is down, a lot has been going on for everyone so I thank you for even taking the time to think of my Caylee and her family. You are truly a blessing.”

- Parent, Hartsfield Elementary School, Alief ISD

Houston Independent School District

"This donation will definitely take a load off my back to cover some bills and put food on the table for us. After being a single mother of 3 and then taking on the responsibility of caring for my disabled father, my life and health have taken a toll on me!

Also considering I'm paying a mortgage for my home, paying bills at my dads house (because we all moved into his house). So basically I am head of household for two separate homes. Only God knows how I've managed till now. But still trying to make ends meet. I do want to acknowledge that I have been blessed by a couple of people but mostly from you (the donor of these funds). I am also considering paying it forward to someone I know who is in desperate need as well! I am grateful for this act of kindness for families like us!”

- Parent, Hogg Middle School, Houston ISD

CIS Houston