NONPROFIT
BY SIERRA ROZEN
Aaron Gro is pictured with a proclamation from the state recognizing Abigail's Place. (Courtesy Abigail's Place)
Aaron Gro (third from right) is the executive director of Abigail’s Place and the mayor of Fulshear.
Abigail's Place Fort Bend County-based nonpro t provides resources, housing for displaced mothers T here are an estimated 60 people experiencing home- lessness in Fort Bend County,
have moved out in as little as six weeks, while others end up staying for longer, Gro said. Since some mothers are coming into the program from domestic vio- lence situations, the shelter does not use signage and monitors the houses for added safety measures. To make sure mothers feel at home, each three-bedroom unit has multiple beds for the kids in two of the rooms and a single room for the mother. Gro said the program is often helping to prevent homelessness. Applicants must have custody of their children, have a job or be actively seeking employment, and have reliable transportation and a plan in mind, Gro said. “I think it’s extremely important because it gives so many people hope,” he said. “Most people are looking for opportunities to better their circumstances and their situation. [When] they live with us, we have that opportunity to invest [in them] and give them a hand up.”
HOWTHE COMMUNITYCAN HELPABIGAIL’S PLACE
Abigail’s Place has many options for people who want to help out the nonpro t. Its leaders also hope to have job opportunities in the future within the organization as it continues to grow.
environment, said Aaron Gro , the organization’s executive director and the mayor of Fulshear. “During that time, we hope that it’s a place of rest, a safe haven. It’s a place where they can relax but at the same time take some next steps towards self-sustainability,” he said. “The goal is at the end of the program that they’re living in an apartment or a home that they are providing for and providing for their family.” The families utilizing the resi- dences are provided with gift cards for food shopping; professional clothing for job interviews; help with child care; job assistance, such as obtaining additional job certi ca- tions; and more. Most mothers end up staying for three to four months, though some
according to data from the Coalition for the Homeless. This is an issue nonpro t organization Abigail’s Place is trying to combat before it happens. Founded in January 2016 by Shereen Sampson, Abigail’s Place started by assisting single mothers with housing payments, providing food and clothing, and restoring and furnishing homes. In 2017, the nonpro t purchased its rst duplex to serve as an emergency shelter for displaced mothers. Now, the organization has three duplexes, aiming to open four more in 2022. Abigail’s Place aims to provide a place where single mothers can get their life back on track in a stress-free
Make monetary donations
Donate clothing or furniture
Landscape some of the properties
Volunteer to clean duplexes
Abigail's Place 832-945-1461 www.abigailsplace.org
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022
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