Summer is an especially vulnerable time for people in need. Esperanza de Tejas is looking to ease the burden families bear through community events and giveaways.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — While summertime means vacation for some, it can also mean uncertainty for some families in underserved areas.

No one knows this better than Esperanza de Tejas – a local nonprofit that is spreading hope, love and support throughout the Coastal Bend in several different ways.

Every Tuesday at 10 a.m., anyone in need of a little help can head to the new Esperanza de Tejas headquarters for free coffee and hygiene items. Supplies vary depending on what Esperanza has in stock, with common items being baby diapers, wipes, adult diapers and toothpaste.

While guests are there, they can also explore the other free services Esperanza provides:

Hope’s Closet, where folks can find free clothingComputer labResume and job application helpMobile Community Connection Center, a mobile pop-up distribution for hygiene itemsVirtual Resource Navigation, which connects individuals to local resources

But Esperanza de Tejas doesn’t aim to only be a set of helping hands – those hands are planning to build a community. 

“We wanted just a hub for our community, to come and and find their village,” said CEO and founder Brianna Davis.

And that village is already bringing people in.

Leila Rodriguez, a single mom, visited Esperanza de Tejas for the first time today, and plans to return.

“It feels like um like a weight has been lifted off my chest, honestly,” said Rodriguez. “I have a hard time trying to have a stable job, and then having my son because it’s just me and him. I struggle a lot with like formula because it’s it’s so expensive and I just don’t have enough.”

With Esperanza’s help, Rodriguez was able to walk away with supplies for her baby and resources for herself, including information about the center’s resume and job assistance program.

“It’s very helpful. Everybody’s so nice here and understanding,” Rodriguez said. “There’s so many things that they could give you.”