West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) is a faith-based non-profit organization founded in April 1982 by seven local places of worship in Houston, Texas. Its mission is to support individuals and families in crisis, regardless of background, belief, or circumstance, by providing essential social services. WHAM's vision is to be a model of Christian service, leveraging community talents and resources to offer love and support, provide basic needs, and promote independence. The organization is a beacon of hope for children, families, and homeless individuals, aiming to alleviate poverty, foster a thriving community, and instill hope. WHAM's core purpose is to empower neighbors and transform lives, helping them transition from immediate crisis to long-term self-sufficiency. In fiscal year 2025 alone, WHAM served over 126,000 individuals across West Houston and surrounding zip codes.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
WHAM's core objectives are centered on a "wrap-around" program model that addresses both immediate essential needs and long-term solutions for self-sufficiency. This includes providing crisis relief and fostering independence through education and employment.
Specialization Areas
WHAM specializes in several key areas to achieve its mission:
Family & Financial Stability: Providing emergency rent and utility assistance, temporary hotel stays for homeless families or those fleeing domestic violence, and comprehensive case management. In fiscal year 2025, over 38,000 clients received more than $886,669 in direct financial assistance through these programs.
Food Insecurity: Operating the largest food pantry in West Houston, distributing healthy food, staples, and essentials. In 2025, over 1.9 million pounds of food, valued at more than $3.8 million, were distributed to over 126,000 individuals. The pantry also offers groceries for specific dietary needs, such as diabetic, kosher, halal, and low-sodium diets.
Empowerment & Self-Sufficiency through Education/Employment: Offering practical skill-building, job training, financial literacy classes, GED and ESL classes, workshops, resume building, mock interviews, and access to job leads and certifications. Over 950 individuals participated in these programs in 2025.
Homeless Outreach: Providing basic necessities and clothing to homeless individuals.
Seasonal Programs: Running "Back to School" assistance with school uniforms and supplies, and "Holiday Meals and Toys" programs for low-income children and families.
Mental Health Support: Facilitating access to mental health counseling through partnerships.
WHAM's services are available without income restrictions, with qualifications based on previously received services and required documentation.
Target Markets
WHAM primarily targets individuals and families in crisis within West Houston and surrounding zip codes. The organization serves a broad demographic, including children, families, and homeless individuals who are experiencing food insecurity, housing instability, unemployment, and mental wellness challenges.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
West Houston Assistance Ministries operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, making donations tax-deductible. Funding primarily comes from donations by individuals, businesses, organizations, churches, and schools, as well as grants and revenue from its resale store.
Financial Overview for Fiscal Year 2024:
Revenue: $6.89 million
Expenses: $7.26 million
Total Assets: $3.02 million
In fiscal year 2023, WHAM provided $1,071,001 in financial assistance to over 3,300 clients. Over 115,000 individuals were assisted in 2024, with more than $800,000 of financial assistance provided. The resale store generated sales revenue that funded 5% of WHAM's programs in FY2024.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
WHAM offers a range of comprehensive services designed to address immediate needs and promote long-term self-sufficiency:
Emergency Financial Assistance:
Description: Provides aid for rent, mortgage, and utility bills to prevent evictions and service disconnections. This also includes temporary hotel stays for homeless families or those fleeing domestic violence.
Development Stage: Ongoing operation.
Target Market/Condition: Individuals and families facing immediate financial crises, housing instability, or domestic violence.
Features and Benefits: Prevents homelessness, maintains essential services, offers stability during critical times. Nearly 90% of clients in case management programs remain housed and on the path to self-sufficiency.
Food Pantry Services:
Description: Operates the largest food pantry in West Houston, offering fresh produce, meat, dairy, shelf-stable foods, and specialized dietary items (diabetic, kosher, halal, low sodium). Also provides USDA senior food boxes, pet food, and holiday meal giveaways.
Development Stage: Ongoing operation with continuous expansion.
Target Market/Condition: Individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Features and Benefits: Provides nutritious food, addresses specific dietary needs, reduces hunger-driven medical crises, and improves academic and employment performance. The pantry is Platinum-rated by the Houston Food Bank.
Empowerment and Workforce Readiness Programs:
Description: Includes practical skill-building, job training, financial literacy classes, GED and ESL preparation, resume building, mock interviews, and access to job leads and certifications.
Development Stage: Ongoing operation with continuous curriculum development.
Target Market/Condition: Individuals facing job loss, underemployment, or barriers to sustainable employment.
Features and Benefits: Enhances employability, promotes financial stability, and supports long-term independence.
Homeless Outreach and Basic Necessities:
Description: Distribution of basic necessities of living, including clothing, to homeless individuals.
Development Stage: Ongoing operation.
Target Market/Condition: Homeless individuals in West Houston.
Features and Benefits: Meets immediate survival needs, offers a sense of dignity and support.
Seasonal and Special Programs:
Description: "Back to School" program providing uniforms and supplies, and "Holiday Meals and Toys" for low-income children and families.
Development Stage: Annually recurring programs.
Target Market/Condition: Low-income families and children requiring seasonal support.
Features and Benefits: Ensures children are prepared for school, provides holiday cheer, and reduces financial strain on families.
Mental Health Support:
Description: Provides access to mental health counseling through established partnerships.
Development Stage: Ongoing program with partner organizations.
Target Market/Condition: Clients requiring mental health services.
Features and Benefits: Addresses mental wellness as a critical component of overall stability and self-sufficiency.
4. Technology & Innovation
WHAM leverages specific technologies to enhance its operational efficiency and client services:
Technology Stack
Case Management System: Utilizes a robust case management system (formerly Apricot by Social Solutions, now Bonterra Program Management) to streamline client intake, track progress, and manage services. This system has enabled significant growth and allows staff to develop expertise in data utilization for innovation.
Volunteer Management Platform: Employs VolunteerHub to reduce administrative time, increase volunteer engagement, and boost donations. This platform facilitates volunteer registration, scheduling, and communication, leading to improved volunteer recruitment and retention.
Online Presence: Maintains a comprehensive website (whamministries.org) for program information, client resources, volunteer sign-ups, and donation processing.
Proprietary Developments
While WHAM primarily utilizes established software solutions, its "wrap-around" program model, which integrates immediate crisis relief with long-term self-sufficiency initiatives, represents a refined and effective methodology within the non-profit sector. The development of specialized food pantry options, such as those catering to diabetic, kosher, halal, and low-sodium diets, also demonstrates an innovative approach to client-centric service delivery.
Scientific Methodologies
WHAM's approach to client support includes one-on-one interviews to assess short-term basic needs and establish a path for long-term financial stability. The organization uses a three-tiered case management model, categorizing clients by immediate financial needs, those requiring additional case management, and those ready for longer-term stability programs. This structured approach allows for individualized support and measurable outcomes, with nearly 90% of clients in case management programs remaining housed and on a path to self-sufficiency.
Technical Capabilities
WHAM's technical capabilities include efficient data management for client services and volunteer coordination, robust online platforms for engagement and fundraising, and the operational capacity to manage and distribute large volumes of resources, such as over 1.9 million pounds of food in 2025. The use of technology allows for scaling operations and adapting to community needs, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
Mark Brown
Current Position: Chief Executive Officer
Professional Background: Leads West Houston Assistance Ministries in its mission to serve those in need. He frequently speaks about WHAM's services and impact in the community.
Key Contributions: Oversees the strategic direction and operations of WHAM, guiding its efforts to provide social services and move families from crisis to self-sufficiency.
Stevan Williamson
Current Position: Board President
Professional Background: Retired from Shell.
Marissa Goette
Current Position: Vice President of the Board
Professional Background: Managing Partner, GC Design Build.
Rodney Nabors
Current Position: Board Treasurer
Professional Background: President, Agility Bank.
Mercedes Santos-Garay
Current Position: Chief Development Officer
Professional Background: Focuses on development and financial oversight for the organization.
Verita Duncan
Current Position: Chief Programs Officer, Pantry Manager
Professional Background: Oversees the various programs offered by WHAM, including the food pantry operations.
Laura Bracher
Current Position: Chief Operations Officer
Professional Background: Responsible for the operational efficiency of the ministry.
Patrice St.Pé
Current Position: Volunteer / Donor Experience Manager
Professional Background: Manages volunteer activities and donor relations.
Other Board Members:
Robert Moore (Moore Money Management)
Ken Smith (UT Health, retired)
Jeff Davidson (Advanced Senior Reservoir Engineer, Marathon Oil Company, retired)
Mike Duvall (CEO, Astaria Global, LLC)
J. Grady Randle (Owner, Randle Law Office Ltd., L.L.P.)
Hylton James (Shell Oil Company, retired)
Recent Leadership Changes
The provided information does not indicate any recent significant leadership changes beyond what is listed in the current executive team.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce
WHAM has a team of 36 employees as of 2024. The organization relies heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers, with over 23,000 volunteer hours contributed in 2024.
Key Roles Being Recruited
WHAM consistently recruits volunteers for various essential roles, including:
Food distribution
Gardening
Driver assistance
Positions within their employment and adult literacy programs
Resale store operations
Warehouse assistance
Client services, including reception, client interviewing, and data entry
Emergency response team members
Company Growth Trajectory Indicators
WHAM demonstrates a significant growth trajectory, highlighted by the increasing number of individuals served annually. The organization assisted over 130,000 clients annually across its various programs. In fiscal year 2020, WHAM served 115,857 individuals, a substantial increase from 42,000 in 2019, demonstrating its capability to scale operations in response to community needs, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2025 alone, over 126,000 individuals were served across West Houston and surrounding zip codes. The organization’s strategic roadmap includes plans to expand empowerment programs with mentoring and paid apprenticeship opportunities in 2026-2027, indicating continued growth ambitions.
Employee Sentiment and Culture Insights
The organization fosters a culture of compassion and support, described as a joyful and welcoming place by volunteers. WHAM emphasizes building a sense of community among staff and volunteers, which contributes to a positive environment. Their mission-driven approach to alleviating poverty and empowering neighbors likely contributes to high employee and volunteer engagement.
Company Size and Expansion Metrics
Employee Count: 36 employees as of 2024.
Volunteer Hours: Over 23,000 volunteer hours worked in 2024.
Client Reach: Over 126,000 individuals served in fiscal year 2025. Over 130,000 clients served annually.
Program Expansion: Plans for adding mentoring and paid apprenticeship opportunities in 2026-2027.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
WHAM maintains an active digital footprint primarily through its official website, which acts as a central hub for information, client resources, volunteer sign-ups, and donation opportunities. They promote engagement by encouraging community members to contribute their time, talent, or treasure.
Brand Messaging and Positioning
WHAM's brand messaging revolves around "Empowering Neighbors... Transforming Lives" and "Giving Hope to Those in Crisis." They position themselves as a caring, concerned, and supportive operation dedicated to helping those in need.
Community Engagement Strategies
WHAM utilizes several strategies for community engagement:
Calls to Action: Actively requests volunteers for various programs and roles, including food distribution, gardening, and literacy programs.
Client Stories: Shares client stories to illustrate the tangible impact of their services and inspire support.
Events: Coordinates community events such as the annual luncheon and the Spring Dash 5K/1K to engage the community and fundraise.
* Partnership Highlights: Showcases partnerships with corporations like Phillips 66 as examples of community-focused leadership and support.
Thought Leadership Initiatives
WHAM's CEO, Mark Brown, frequently speaks about the organization's services and impact in the community, particularly regarding urgent needs like food insecurity and managing humanitarian crises. This positions WHAM as a knowledgeable advocate for vulnerable populations in West Houston.
Notable Campaigns or Content
The organization's campaigns often center on fundraising for specific programs and increasing volunteer participation. Their messaging effectively highlights the critical role they play as a safety net in the community.
8. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
West Houston Assistance Ministries has earned a reputation as a compassionate and supportive organization for those in need.
