The Texas Homeless Network says that on any given night in our state there are approximately 27,000 to 30,000 homeless people on our streets, and over 38,000 Texas residents will experience homelessness over the course of a year. That number grows to almost 750,000 if you consider the whole country.
Homlessness, or being unhoused, is a real problem in our country and state and that is why two women have decided to see what they can do to help that population.
Bowie County resident Candice Grable has partnered with her friend Michelle Koontz on an effort to make life just a little easier for those living without a place to call home. The two are looking to supply as many sleeping bags, pairs of socks, and personal hygiene items as they can gather to giver back to those less fortunate.
Grable told the West Bowie Post that the goal for this year is 300 sleeping bags, up from the 100 that was the goal a year ago. Once collected, the sleeping bags and other supplies will be handed out to homeless individuals in both Bowie County and Dallas County, where Koontz now lives.
The two went to high school together, and have now joined in an effort to make the world a better place.
Grable says the need came to her in a dream and she says God has been telling her to do something to help, and Michelle’s mission was exactly what God was telling her to do.
The focus on sleeping bags, socks and hygiene products is an obvious one as each are much needed necessities of life for all. A sleeping bag will provide a warm, dry place to sleep, socks will keep feet dry, and hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste and other products are something we all require. Candice adds, “Most of us are blessed to go home at night, lock our doors, crawl into a warm bed, and know we are safe. There are people who don’t have that luxury. If we can make even one night a little warmer and remind someone that they have not been forgotten, then it is worth it.Please consider helping us reach it. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus and show people that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten.” “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 If you would like to help the effort, it is easy to You can message either of the ladies on Facebook, or you can text Candice at 903-3068246.
