Houston nonprofits and community groups are urgently collecting coats, blankets, and winter supplies to protect people experiencing homelessness ahead of an impending Texas freeze.

As the Houston area continues to grapple with the issue of homelessness, grassroots groups are stepping in to meet needs many say the city has been slow to address.

A Deer Park family’s simple act of kindness sparked Van’s Posse, a 1,700-member Facebook group helping unhoused neighbors across the Houston area.