Katy Christian Ministries released a statement Friday afternoon affirming that it will continue operations during the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak in the Greater Houston area. All programs will continue to operate, the statement said, but some changes will be made out of caution in an effort keep volunteers, staff and clients safe.

Katy Christian Ministries Executive Director Deysi Crespo asked that the community continue to support the nonprofit by volunteering and shopping at the organization’s two resale shops which help to fund its mission. Volunteers can still sign up through Sign Up Genius for opportunities to help at the food pantry and donations are still needed. Specific donation needs include hand sanitizer, gloves, soaps, disinfectants, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach and non-perishable food items as well as meat according to the statement. 

A list of food items needed at Katy Christian Minstries' food pantry can be found here.

Changes to program hours and processes are listed below as presented in the statement:

• Social Services – Case Managers will conduct assessments and interviews, financial coaching, follow-ups, and food pantry intakes by telephone only. To schedule for a phone interview with a case manager, please call 281-391-9623. Monday-Thursday 9am-Noon; 1:00pm-5pm. No Walk-ins.
• Food Pantry – Pre-made grocery bags will be given to clients using a Car Hop Service (volunteers will load groceries into vehicles). Clients will be assisted Monday-Thursday 9am-Noon; 1:00pm-5pm on a first come, first served basis depending on available resources. For questions please call 281-391-3730. Clients will not go inside the food pantry.
• Crisis Center – Client Advocates and Counselors will do crisis intervention by telephone. 281-391-4504; 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline #: 281-391-4357; 281-391-5252; 24/7 Sexual Abuse Hotline #: 281-639-7273. No walk-ins.
• Resale Stores – Both Resale Stores and Donation Center continue to operate under the same business hours of operation. 23232 Kingsland Blvd, Katy 77494 Mon-Sat 9am-8pm; 5510 1st Street, Katy, 77493 Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. 281-391-7400 https://ktcm.org/resale/

NOTE: This story has been updated to include a link the the list of needed items for the food pantry.