Despite the City of Houston’s efforts to stop groups from feeding the homeless, even writing citations to dissuade them, the group Hoodies 4 Healing has been feeding the homeless nonstop since 2019.
So, what’s its story?
Inspired by near tragedy
Six years ago, teenager Dyanna DeNae needed brain surgery, a frightening prospect for a full-grown adult. Her mother, Rosemary Tucker, created the “I Am Healed” collection of hoodies and other clothing items to raise funds for her daughter’s surgery and to instill in her daughter a positive mindset as she faced the surgery’s unknown outcomes.
“I just pretty much went to Jesus and said, ‘Look, Jesus, this is what we are going to do. You’re going to heal my daughter to stay with me, and I’m going to serve your children every Sunday until you come,” said Tucker, whose initial fundraising effort went by the name of “Cypress Mom Selling Hoodies.
Dyanna survived the surgery and is now a thriving Gen Zer. And staying true to her promise to serve others if God healed her child, Tucker founded Hoodies 4 Healing with a mission to feed Houston’s homeless.
Feeding the hungry
H4H still designs and sells hoodies, but now does so much more.
“We serve the homeless in Houston, Texas, every Sunday morning in downtown Houston,” said Tucker. “Since 2020, we have personally served over 100,000 hot meals to homeless Houstonians.
“We’ve never missed a Sunday since November 8, 2020, down there every Sunday, preparing hot meals for 300 to 400 homeless Houstonians. So, my motivation comes from God healing my daughter, and I kept my promise.”
According to CHH, more than 23,000 people in Harris County, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties accessed some type of homeless service in 2023. When you include prevention and other services (like clothing or food assistance), the number jumps to more than 52,000 people.
The CHH estimates that the Houston region can expect to see 3,280 people on any given day.
So, it’s good that Tucker and her band of faithful volunteers are “no ways tired.”
“I said, Jesus, I’m going to do more than put my tithes and offering in the bucket. I’m going to treat your children the way that I’m asking you to treat my children. I’m going to be a blessing to your children the way that I ask you to be a blessing to my children… I’m gonna serve your children the same food that I serve my children,” shared Tucker, whose nonprofit participated in this year’s Black Men’s Wellness Day.
Support
Tucker is proud that H4H’s work is a collaborative effort.
“Oh my God. We get so much help. We get so much support. Costco gives us tons and tons and tons of food. We’re partners with Pastor James Dixon and the Community of Faith. State Rep. Ron Reynolds got us on autopay. He does so much for us,” stated Tucker.
Count Dixon as a true believer in Tucker and H4H.
“Rosemary Tucker launched Hoodies 4 Healing to address a seminal social crisis in our city,” said Dixon. “Houston’s homeless citizens are caught in a violent poverty cycle that destroys every bit of human dignity and entraps God’s most precious creations in a web of dehumanizing conditions. Through Rosemary’s efforts, hundreds of our homeless brothers and sisters receive hot meals and are treated with elevated honor and class.
“Rosemary’s work ethic to feed the homeless is fueled by Christlike compassion. She models contagious commitment that inspires partners and supporters to contribute time and resources to the cause. I and The Community Of Faith Church are honored to be a collaborative partner with Hoodies 4 Healing. It’s God’s work and it’s love in action.”
Reynolds also sings Tucker’s praises.
“Rosemary is truly a Godsend for the Houston homeless community. She devotes her time, talent and treasure to raise money through Hoodies 4 Healing to prepare hot meals for those often neglected,” said Reynolds. “I have watched Rosemary first hand on numerous occasions sacrifice herself to continue uplifting the homeless like no one that I’ve ever met in my life. Serving the homeless is not her job, but her passion and mission in life.I wish we had more servant leaders like Rosemary Tucker to help combat the homeless crisis.”
Tucker said her group also receives support from the City of Houston and has been in the exact location since 2020.
Still, Tucker is open to receiving more support.
“We care about the community, we care about the people. We’re always looking for a way to help them. We’re always looking for a way to collaborate with other organizations to be a bigger blessing to God’s children,” she added.
