The cost of groceries, rent and utilities keeps climbing — and more families are hitting a breaking point.
Local nonprofits in Galveston County say they’re seeing more people walk through their doors looking for help — including people who have never needed it before.
Tuesday through Friday, families line up at the M.I. Lewis Social Service Center in Dickinson. Most of the time, it starts with food — In September alone, the center helped 1,662 households. Eighty-two of those were first-time clients.
Angelica Hanley, executive director of the M.I. Lewis Social Service Center, says the need is real — and the faces of those asking for help are ones most people wouldn’t expect.
“I have seen grown men this past year alone who are in tears because they don’t want to have to be here,” Hanley said. “They don’t want to have to come to an agency — whether it’s ours or any agency — and ask for help.”
The same is true for mothers trying to provide for their kids. The constant, Hanley says, is a familiar one — bills and prices keep going up, but paychecks aren’t keeping pace.
“Food is the first thing they’re always asking for — but then it’s rent and utility assistance,” Hanley said.
This year, Galveston County has committed a total of $60,000 in funding to the center. Twenty thousand dollars of that was approved just last week — money that will go toward financial assistance for families in need. Each family can receive up to $500 in rent and utility assistance, once per year. Realistically, Hanley says, that funding will serve about 40 families.
The center has also taken a hit on a critical funding source. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program — administered through FEMA — was cut as part of the Big Beautiful Bill, withholding money from organizations like M.I. Lewis across the country. Galveston County had been awarded $140,000 for the program, but has now missed two full funding cycles.
“We’re just getting word that it’s coming back,” Hanley said. “We’re all very excited about it and hopeful that it’s coming soon.”
When that money will actually arrive remains unclear.
M.I. Lewis isn’t alone. St. Vincent’s House — the largest social service agency in Galveston County — says demand for its services has grown by nearly 300% over the past six years. In 2025 alone, the organization served more than 100,000 individuals across its programs and expects to surpass that number in 2026.
In a statement, St. Vincent’s House said: “We are facing a ‘perfect storm.’ More than one in five Galveston residents lives below the poverty line, while the cost of living continues to rise and food insecurity is reaching critical levels. Families who were barely making ends meet are increasingly being pushed into crisis. Demand continues to grow, placing long-term pressure on community resources and safety-net systems. St. Vincent’s House is committed to being there — not only to help families survive the crisis in front of them, but to provide the support, connections and resources they need to move toward stability and ultimately thrive.”
Through its emergency assistance programs, St. Vincent’s House helped keep 348 families housed and ensured 376 households maintained essential utilities in 2025.
Both organizations say food donations, volunteers and monetary contributions all make a real difference. With the holidays around the corner and demand expected to spike, the need has never been greater.
If you need assistance or would like more information on how you can help visit the M.I. Lewis Social Service Center
