Last year, Shell started the Heroes of Houston campaign to celebrate those who helped others during Hurricane Harvey.  They knew there were many more to honor and a few weeks ago they invited the public to nominate people who went above and beyond to help their community during the disaster.  One of those people nominated this time around was Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) Director of Relief Services, Jennifer Herrera.

“I am truly honored to be nominated and selected, but feel very humbled and undeserving,” said Herrera.  “So many others have been in the trenches beside us.  This nomination is a reflection of the work we all do at NAM.”

Her co-worker, Danita Brown, a Case Manager at NAM, was the one who nominated Herrera.  “Jennifer came into the organization with such fire and passion,” Brown said.  “She has really moved this team along immensely and with her devotion and big heart, NAM has helped so many people.”

Herrera joined NAM in November 2017.  She has extensive program services knowledge having worked with TX Commission on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, AIDS Services and Episcopal Health Foundation.  After Hurricane Harvey, Herrera and her family volunteered with NAM in its efforts to respond to the needs of Harvey survivors.  Her love for NAM’s mission led her to join the team.

“I feel incredibly blessed to work with so many people with hearts of service and a dedication to helping their neighbors,” Herrera stated.

Herrera’s picture will be part of the Wall of Heroes installation on Discovery Green in Downtown Houston.  The display will take place from May 10 – 13 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

NAM has raised over $5 million in relief funds and assisted more than 10,000 individuals impacted by Hurricane Harvey with food, clothing, hygiene products, rent and mortgage, utility bills, home repairs, furniture, vehicle repairs and replacement and business equipment.

NAM is also the recipient of grant funding from a variety of businesses, foundations, the United Way and the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund (HHRF). The grants from the HHRF, established by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and managed by the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF), supply recipients with funds to be used to provide programs and/or services to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.