The West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) is a Christ-centered coalition of sponsoring churches seeking to carry out God's commandments to love and provide for those in need in our community.  We seek to improve the quality of life of those in need by giving the spiritual, physical and emotional support necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and independence.

Here are Frequently Asked Questions about our agency:

• Who are your Clients?  A client is a person(s) or family referred to WHAM from various sources including the coalition of sponsoring churches. The client is one who is in the midst of a crisis.  The crisis may be caused by loss of wages, unemployment or any unexpected expenses.  The result is the client is unable to meet their basic needs.   
• Who is the typical client you serve? While we serve a large number of individuals without a place to slep at night, most of our clients have a livable address.   There is a necessary balance to be maintained between essential expenditures and family income.  When an unexpected expense occurs,  the result can mean loss of utilities and eviction notices.  
• How do you work with a Client?  A Client initially meets with an interviewer in CARE Ministry .  An assessment of needs is determined along with a course of action.  The solution may include immediate aid in the form of food and clothing and/or a long term plan, including education and job search.
• What benefits does your ministry provide other than the obvious financial support?
  • The gift of hope.

    Through interviews, our clients come to realize that all is not lost. WHAM offers immediate assistance.  As a sense of hope arises, the client and interviewer work together to chart a path to overcome the crisis ... and work toward self-sufficiency and independence.  With renewed hope comes a sense of self worth.

  • The gift of sustenance. 

    Our Food Pantry and Clothing Vouchers provide the basic essentials to clients in need of food and clothing.  These critical items are donated and supplied by food drives, individuals and businesses.  This aid is intended to be temporary and the first step to long-term recovery.

  •  The gift of esteem. 

    The vast majority of our clients are proud and willing workers who cannot perform the active roles in our society as they wish.  The greatest gift is to provide these individuals with the necessary resources to increase their earning potential.  Our job search programs and referrals assist clients on their way to  independence.

  • The gift of knowledge and education. 

    The turmoil in a client's life is often due to job loss.  Our experience indicates that there are basic crucial skills that can be effective in aiding our clients.  Skills required are provided through our English as a Second Language classes .  These classes are held each day at WHAM at no cost. A morning and afternoon session are available for the convenience of the client.

  • The gift of Holiday joy.

    Our special programs  provide the festivities of the holidays to the needy.  Our food drive at Thanksgiving and our toy distribution at Christmas are examples of our commitment to share our blessings with the less fortunate.

• What other benefits of WHAM are there?
  • The whole community benefits. 

    Unforeseen events in a household can quickly go out of control.  Our assistance in providing immediate relief prevents individuals from becoming homeless or hungry.

  • Volunteers benefit. 

    Our dedicated volunteers through their actions and deeds provide a cohesive and loving force in the community.  Volunteers make use of their time, talents and abilities.  At the same time, they can assist the needy in their own community.

  • The coalition churches benefit.

    Those who are assisted by the ministry usually experience a spiritual enlightenment when they return to emotional and financial stability.  They come to the realization that where there is Hope there is also God.