Cy-Fair Helping Hands Transforms Heartbreak into Hope for Local Man Battling Cancer and Homelessness
When Bruce, a quiet, resilient individual facing both homelessness and cancer, was finally awarded housing due to his illness, it felt like the storm he had weathered for so long was beginning to lift. For years, Bruce had been part of the Cy-Fair Helping Hands (CFHH) family—a nonprofit organization that ministers to those experiencing homelessness in northwest Houston.
But his new beginning took an unexpected turn.
On a recent Friday, Bruce toured what was to be his new apartment. It was smaller than expected—a studio instead of a one-bedroom—but his gratitude filled the room. “This is great,” he said, smiling wide. After years of living in a tent in the woods, even a small, humble space seemed like a dream come true.
Encouraged by his enthusiasm, Bruce’s government-appointed housing case manager, unaffiliated with CFHH, agreed to consider the unit. However, a shocking detail came to light: the apartment had no working electricity. The landlord had rigged an extension cord to power the space, forcing the case manager to withdraw the offer.
In disbelief, Bruce whispered, “Please let me stay– I’ve given my campsite away.” He had surrendered his last shelter—the campsite he once called home—trusting this would be his new start. When the offer was revoked, it felt as though hope itself had slipped through his hands.
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CFHH, through community generosity, immediately stepped in to ensure Bruce wasn’t forced back into the woods. Donors funded a temporary hotel stay while the electricity issue was resolved. Just days later, Bruce unlocked the door to permanent housing, where he can now focus on healing and reclaiming his life.
The emotional story sparked a wave of compassion. Within hours of CFHH posting Bruce’s story to Facebook on July 24, community members flooded the comments, offering furniture, clothing, kitchenware, monetary gifts, and more. Bruce is one of two formerly homeless clients CFHH has recently helped transition off the streets, thanks to public support.
Homelessness Often Goes Unseen in Cy-Fair and Cypress
For many residents of the Cy-Fair and Cypress areas, homelessness might seem like a distant problem—something more associated with inner-city Houston than suburban neighborhoods. But CFHH’s work reveals a surprising reality: families and individuals living in cars, tents, or unstable housing situations are part of this community.
In 2024 alone, CFHH’s outreach underscored both the scope of need and the power of compassion:
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243,584 meals were distributed through its Food Pantry, despite temporary service interruptions due to relocation and permitting changes.
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4,028 nights of shelter were funded for homeless families with children, helping 111 children transition out of life on the streets.
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1,219 visits were made to the Day Center, providing showers, laundry, meals, and fellowship, while 8,196 hot meals and sack lunches were served.
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2,223 backpacks and school supplies were distributed to students for the new school year.
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1,211 children received toys and gift cards during holiday outreach, while 17,100 pounds of food were delivered to homebound clients.
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Volunteers contributed 23,856 hours of service—the equivalent of 120 volunteers working every month—and provided critical support through schools, businesses, civic groups, and churches.
These numbers illustrate a deeper truth: homelessness and hunger exist even in areas known for strong schools, master-planned communities, and steady growth. CFHH’s initiatives, from “Come As You Are” worship services to scholarships for Lone Star College students, meet people where they are—often before others even realize there’s a need.
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CFHH’s roots go back to 2010, when Jean and John Dreyer began serving soup from the back of a pickup truck to those living on the streets of northwest Houston. That effort grew into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that today includes a Community Food Pantry, emergency shelter programs, scholarships for underprivileged students, homeless street outreach, a day center for those without shelter, and youth initiatives such as “Fill-a-Bin” and “Upward Progress” for CFISD students.
“Because of your continued support, Bruce wasn't forced to return to the woods,” CFHH shared. “Your gift becomes part of stories like Bruce’s. He may have unlocked the door to a home, but thanks to your generosity, he stepped through the doorway of hope.”
How to Help and Stay Connected
The organization, which operates solely through community donations and the support of over 120 volunteers, invites residents to join their mission. Donations of food, toiletries, and financial contributions are needed year-round, along with volunteer time to assist programs like the Homeless Day Center and holiday outreach events.
Those wishing to help can learn more at cyfairhelpinghands.org or by calling 281-858-1222.
For Bruce, a key to a permanent home was also a key to renewed hope—and a reminder that community compassion can change lives in an instant.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more updates on how local nonprofits and residents are transforming lives across Cy-Fair.
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.
