BRYAN, Texas — In just two days, families and loved ones will gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.
Yet, many people aren't fortunate enough to celebrate in the comfort of their own homes.
Almost 9,500 people are experiencing homelessness in the state of Texas, according to data from the Texas Homeless Network. Homelessness has been an issue several Brazos Valley organizations have worked to address. Twin City Mission is a nonprofit that helps those who are homeless and hurting that offers various programs that addresses homelessness, violence and abuse, family conflict, youth in crisis, life skill deficiencies, and poverty.
On Thanksgiving Day, they plan on giving out free meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the homeless and low-income families.
Ron Crozier, who has been Twin City's director of community relations for two decades, explained how many overlook the resources right in the BCS community.
"They want people to know that the path does have light to it they just have to look for it and know that we are here to take care of them," said Crozier.
In the midst of holiday season, he said organizations beyond Twin City strive to help during the delicate time, stating, "Several agencies here in town, they want to lighten that load, they want to lessen that burden. It just takes a little faith to believe that the resources around you can help you."
It's a path that can change the trajectory of someone's life, like Twin City resident Terry Jones, who has resided at the organization's living facility for the past eight months.
"I pray and look what happened to me. I'm blessed," said Jones. "I'm a living witness to that I can testify that God is great. God is great."
Jones described the tumultuous journey he's been through that led him to Twin City Mission, which ultimately resulted in his life being changing forever.
"I lived on the street for 10 days, I got a job, I lived at the mission and now I got my own place thanks to the help of the mission," said Jones.
He said that many people feed into the misconception that homelessness looks a certain way in society when it can be anyone, at any given moment. In addition, many tend to look away from a homeless person on the street asking for change.
"Some people just need a helping hand, not a handout," Jones said.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, he also encourages people to look inward this holiday season to give freely from the heart and never judge a book by its cover.
In addition, Twin City also encourages others to give someone in need a helping hand whenever they can.
"it's better to give than receive," Jones said. "Be someone's blessing today."
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