Cy-Fair Helping Hands Rallies Community to Provide Essential Supplies for Families Ahead of Historic Winter Storm Enzo
With southeast Texas bracing for Winter Storm Enzo—a rare and potentially dangerous weather event expected to bring snow, ice, and freezing temperatures—Cy-Fair Helping Hands (CFHH) has rallied volunteers and donors to provide critical supplies to vulnerable residents.
The organization hosted its "Gifts of Warmth" event on Saturday, distributing hundreds of winter essentials, including coats, gloves, and blankets, to families in need, just in time for Winter Storm Enzo. The event was made possible through donations such as 300 items collected by the Bridgeland Football team and support from community groups like the Cy-Fair Women’s Club and YMSL Cypress. Volunteers also served food to 40 families through CFHH's pantry.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community as we prepare for this historic storm,” said Janet Ryan, CFHH’s Executive Director. “The selflessness of our volunteers and donors ensures that we can help families and the homeless stay safe and warm in the coming days.”
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Founded in 2010 by Cy-Fair residents Jean and John Dreyer, Cy-Fair Helping Hands began as a grassroots initiative to support the homeless, offering food, clothes, and supplies from the back of a pickup truck. Over the years, CFHH has grown into a comprehensive nonprofit organization providing a wide range of services, including a food pantry, emergency shelter, scholarships, and outreach for the homeless and underserved families in Cy-Fair.
In 2024 alone, CFHH provided food for 243,584 meals, facilitated over 1,200 visits to its Homeless Day Center, and funded 4,028 nights of shelter for families with children. Programs like the Hands of Hope volunteer group delivered 17,100 pounds of food to homebound clients, while CFHH’s Community Garden produced 2,195 pounds of fresh vegetables for distribution.
The winter storm, set to impact the region beginning Monday evening, is expected to bring 1–6 inches of snow and ice accumulations, leading to treacherous travel conditions and freezing temperatures that could last into Thursday. Recognizing the urgency, CFHH’s Senior Homeless Services Director Jean Dreyer has made multiple trips to distribute Compassion Bags filled with essential items and winter gear. Dreyer’s commitment even extended to giving away her own coat to someone in need.
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“Jean’s efforts embody the spirit of Cy-Fair Helping Hands,” Ryan said. “Her tireless dedication to the homeless community is an inspiration to us all.”
The event also drew support from young volunteers, including members of the Cypress Ranch High School Key Club, who helped sort and distribute items. Pantry day volunteers from Bayou City Fellowship also stepped up to serve, connecting with clients on a personal level, especially Michael Pelham. Michael, one of the dedicated volunteers, shared a deeply emotional moment when he offered to pray for a distressed client, who then opened up about the personal struggles she was facing.
“This storm reminds us how critical it is to come together as a community,” Ryan said. “Every contribution—from a warm coat to a few hours of time—makes a difference in helping our neighbors weather this challenging week.”
Although CFHH's facility will be closed through Wednesday, the organization encourages continued support and donations as they respond to the storm’s impact. For more information on how to help, visit cyfairhelpinghands.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
