For over a decade, Attack Poverty has been committed to walking alongside people in under-resourced communities-standing with our neighbors and investing in places like North Richmond, North Rosenberg, and North Houston. Even during seasons of transition, including last year, our dedication to serving has never wavered. In the 2024-2025 program year, we served 13,138 individuals through programs focused on spiritual growth, education, revitalization, and meeting basic needs. This work was supported by 1,602 volunteers who contributed 9,035 hours of service, helping us empower individuals to attack poverty in their lives and communities.
In June 2023, Fort Bend County entered into a $2.5MM agreement with Attack Poverty for the Flourishment Center Project, funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These funds were designated for the purchase and repurposing of the former First Baptist Church of Rosenberg building into a hub specifically focusing on housing services not available on our existing campuses. The total purchase price of the building was $2.75MM. The additional $250,000 funds required for the building’s purchase, were provided by The George Foundation ($125,000) and another donor ($125,000). The county provided $500,000 under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA2) for the repurposing and maintenance efforts of the project.
In March 2024, following unforeseen leadership changes, our Board of Directors determined that the best path forward for our mission and for the project was to step back as the lead organization. While Attack Poverty had met all milestones outlined in our agreement with the county, we recognized that we did not have the capacity to carry the project through its next phases.
We formally requested that Fort Bend County transition the Flourishment Center project to another entity.
This request was granted, and in August 2024, an amended memorandum of understanding was signed outlining the terms of the transition. Under this agreement, Attack Poverty would undergo an audit, performed by the county auditor, of all the funds provided for the project, return the $500,000 designated for renovations and maintenance, and deed the $2.75MM church property back to the county. Additionally, we would return the $125,000 grant received from the George Foundation for the property’s purchase. The Audit was successful, with all funds accounted for. The building transfer and return of all the funds were finalized in September 2024.
As a separate matter, the county expressed interest in purchasing the property containing both the Boys and Girls Club and our Friends of North Rosenberg facility, where the county had a long-term lease. The county purchased this property for $3.225MM, fair market value as determined by an appraiser hired by the county, eliminating the land lease and allowing Attack Poverty to continue to serve the Rosenberg Community through a long term lease. This sale allowed for the county to fully own the Boys and Girls Club facility, while showing a deep commitment to supporting non-profits who are providing resources to the Community. In October 2024, we entered a new chapter with Marguerite Williams stepping into the role of CEO. Today, Attack Poverty is a strong and healthy organization, focused on long-term sustainability, and more committed than ever to walking with our neighbors toward flourishing. Through every challenge, one thing has remained constant: our unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalized.
The future is bright-for our neighbors, our communities, and for Attack Poverty-as we continue to move forward together.