Galveston’s CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread brings compassionate healing, hope to the homeless

Rooted in its mission, CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread, one of seven programs supported by CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare and its Gulf Coast community partners, provides a path toward healing by offering critical services to the homeless in Galveston near Church Street. (Photo courtesy of Our Daily Bread)

GALVESTON— Homeless men, women and children face struggles that go beyond the lack of meals, clothing, shelter or medical care. The Catholic Church calls the faithful to look deeper, responding with Christ’s compassion and care to honor the inherent dignity of every person, no matter their circumstances. 

Rooted in this mission, CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread, one of seven programs supported by CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare and its Gulf Coast community partners, provides a path toward healing by offering critical services to the homeless in Galveston near Church Street.  

Those with no place of their own can seek medical care, social service referrals and mental health counseling.  The dedicated team of staff and volunteers works compassionately to help individuals break free from cycles of addiction and despair. 

“Our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ,” said Angela Joseph, director of CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread. “We offer hope. We are sometimes that listening ear our clients need to just get through the day.” 

The ministry serves approximately 60 homeless individuals daily. Joseph finds fulfillment in knowing that she and her team make a difference in each of their lives, even if it’s just by offering a small piece of guidance that brings them one step closer to a better place. 

“We may not have all the answers, but we try to direct them to the right resources and give them a chance to feel hopeful again,” Joseph said. 

Clients receive support through various program tracks, including work, housing, treatment or relocation. Weekly or monthly meetings with a case manager or client navigator break down goals into manageable steps, offering a clear path forward tailored to everyone’s needs. 

Johnathen Vallery, a client navigator with CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread for nine years, began his journey as a security officer before transitioning into his current role. His professional background in security and the oil industry has equipped him with the experience necessary to guide many clients through their challenges. 

“When our clients come in, some are feeling low,” Vallery said. “Being able to give them an encouraging word, especially in a job where you can talk about God and Jesus Christ, is incredible. Some come in with a frown, and they leave with big smiles on their faces.”  

Assisting clients in their struggles reminds Vallery how easily anyone can lose their way. Through his work, he finds purpose and a humbling reminder of the shared humanity that unites all people as children of God. 

“I like to tell our clients that we’re here to help them, and in doing so, it helps put our own lives into perspective,” Vallery said. “It reminds us that if we lose our way, this could happen to us, too. We do as much as we can for them, but by working together and them doing their part, we can make it happen.” 

A key service the client navigators provide is the recovery of vital documents, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards and state-issued identification. This service has become increasingly important, as these documents are often required for eligibility in government housing programs, job applications and other essential services. Many clients have lost their personal records, making this assistance most important in helping them regain stability and take the necessary steps toward rebuilding their lives. 

Another way CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread embodies the heart and hands of Jesus is through its partnership with Krist Samaritan Counseling Service. This community partner offers counseling, education and training, promoting emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. 

Joseph said this collaboration had been a blessing for many CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread clients, and she and her team witness daily how crucial this support is for the client’s well-being. 

“I can remember a time when mentioning mental health counseling would make clients go the other way,” Joseph said. “Now, we often have clients ask to see the counselors before giving us their name to sign in. Partnering with Krist Samaritan Counseling Service has been a game-changer for them.” 

As one of over 60 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), Joseph emphasized that the faithful’s contributions to the annual appeal are crucial in helping CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread fulfill its mission. She believes the ministry’s work is sustained by the ongoing generosity of donors, community partners and volunteers who are dedicated to assisting clients in navigating their daily struggles. 

“Come visit us, take a tour and see what we’re all about — there are plenty of opportunities to contribute, whether volunteering in our clothing closet, helping in the kitchen or assisting at the front desk,” Joseph said. “I guarantee it’s never the same experience twice, and you’ll leave feeling inspired and uplifted, knowing you’ve contributed to someone’s smile.” 

Learn more about CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread and how to volunteer by visiting christusfoundation.org/odb.

To donate to the DSF, which supports 60-plus ministries, go to archgh.org/DSF. The DSF supports all ministries, including direct services and education, which rely on this critical funding. Out of each gift given to DSF, 100% of every dollar goes directly to support these ministries.