Houston, we’re in the thick of it. As freezing rain coats our streets, trees bend under ice, and temperatures plunge into the 20s overnight, many of us are hunkered down with blankets, hot coffee, and power (fingers crossed). But for thousands of our neighbors, especially those experiencing homelessness or living on the edge, this isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous.

The latest data from the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County paints a sobering picture: In the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, 3,325 people were counted as experiencing homelessness across our region, including 1,282 living unsheltered on the streets, in cars, or other places not meant for habitation. That’s a noticeable uptick in unsheltered individuals compared to prior years, even as overall numbers have held relatively stable. Add in the brutal cold snap we’re facing right now, complete with winter storm warnings, icy roads, and power outage risks and the urgency multiplies.

Food insecurity compounds the hardship. Recent reports from Rice University’s Kinder Institute show that about 2 in 5 households in Houston and Harris County struggle with consistent access to enough nutritious food, nearly three times the national average. When winter bills spike and weather limits mobility, that gap widens, leaving families choosing between heat and groceries.

At The Polish Way, we see these challenges every day in our community, and we’re responding with the same Houston grit that gets us through every storm. Right now, we’re ramping up:

• Emergency distributions of warm coats, blankets, thermal layers, and sleeping bags to help unsheltered neighbors stay safe in the freeze.
• Food drives and meal kits packed with hearty, warming staples, soups, proteins, fresh produce, to keep bodies fueled when the cold drains energy.
• Therapy outreach connecting people to mental health support, because isolation and stress hit harder in harsh weather.
• Housing navigation assisting families in finding immediate stability and long-term affordable options, aligning with city efforts like Mayor Whitmire’s initiatives to move people indoors.

We’ve seen the power of collective action before, Houston has reduced homelessness dramatically over the past decade through partnerships and persistence. This freeze is a reminder that progress isn’t linear, but our commitment is.

You don’t have to be a frontline hero to help. Every act counts:

• Donate coats, blankets, non-perishable food, or funds to fuel our distributions. Donate Here.
• Volunteer for a shift at an upcoming drive or event, your hands make the difference. Become A Volunteer.
• Share this post or our campaigns to spread awareness in your networks.

Houston has always been a city that shows up for each other, through hurricanes, heat, and now this icy blast. Let’s keep that spirit alive. Together, we can warm bodies, fill bellies, and build hope, one neighbor at a time.

Stay safe out there, check on someone who might need it, and know that your support keeps The Polish Way moving forward.

With gratitude and determination, The Polish Way Team Houston, TX

Upcoming: Keep an eye on our events calendar for weather-safe distribution dates and volunteer opportunities. Email hi@thepolishway.org if you’re in need or want to help.