Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas

Manna Ministry -we operate a food pantry that is staffed by volunteers and open to eligible clients nine hours each week; participants can visit up to three times each month. Food is purchased at wholesale prices from the brazos valley food bank, part of feeding america network. We service Washington county clients from brenham, Burton, chappell hill, independence, old Washington and carmine. During 2023, we served 612 individuals from 234 families. of those served, 239 were between the ages of 0-17, while another 89 were over the of 65. Volunteers donated 2,222 hours of time to this Ministry.

The corner shoppe - in a region with limited big box retailers, our thrift store stocks affordable home decor, clothes, toys and shoes for neighbors, many of whom lack transportation. Operated by dozens of volunteers and one part-time manager, we are able to sell home goods at affordable prices while also helping to underwrite our programs and ministries. The thrift store brings in the majority of revenue for the Ministry's outreach efforts. We also accept donations of furniture and appliances that are stored offsite and sold through facebook marketplace. All our merchandise is donated and is sold at minimal cost to low income households in the community, as well as to shoppers who support our Ministry efforts. We are in the process of creating a standalone retail space for furniture and appliances, which will allow us to offer even more of these larger home goods to the community at large. Completion of the furniture store is expected by march 2024. Volunteers donated 5,969 hours of time to this Ministry.

Helping hands our all-volunteer crew helps with minor home repairs, as well as the installation of accessibility ramps for senior citizens, the disabled, and low income families. During 2023 we completed the work of getting a stroke-impaired senior citizen out of sub-par housing and into a better quality mobile home. We also connect homeowners with partner agencies that can help with weatherization, additional home repairs, or assistance with utility bills, mortgages and rent. During the winter, we purchased and distributed 15 space heaters to community members. In the summer, we purchased and distributed 25 box fans.