We mobilize and equip communities in Greater Houston to care for children and families in crisis—before, during, and beyond foster care.
In 2025, TX-CPS in Greater Houston recorded
28,996 agency investigations of suspected child abuse and neglect
6,227 children entering family preservation services
3,631 children in foster care
1,305 removals
568 awaiting adoption and
1,252 youth aging out of care in Preparation for Adult Living
IS IT ACCEPTABLE THAT CHILDREN IN OUR OWN COMMUNITY GO WITHOUT BEDS, FOOD OR BASIC NECESSITIES?
“70% of what we do would be unnecessary (poverty related neglect) if someone helped these children”
Crux Codes - Zip Codes
CarePortal’s Empower Every Community initiative empowers local churches in communities of concentrated poverty to take meaningful, community-driven action for vulnerable children and families. These churches—deeply connected, trusted, and aware of the real needs around them—are uniquely positioned to address the racial disproportionality of Black children entering the foster care system and to strengthen families before crises escalate
How Crux Codes are Identified
Using demographic research, CarePortal identified specific zip codes where focused care can create immediate change. These Crux Codes are communities where more than 10,000 residents are Black, over 33% of the population is Black, at least 20% live in poverty, and the median household income is below $53,000. When the local Church is equipped to serve in these neighborhoods, families experience hope, support, and stability—and children remain safe, secure, and connected to their loved ones.
Why Crux Codes Matter
At Called to Care Coalition, we believe connection changes everything. By mobilizing churches in Greater Houston’s 34 different Crux Codes to meet real needs with dignity and compassion, we help prevent family breakdown and spark community transformation—one relationship, one response, and one strengthened family at a time.
“The process you guys have for us to work with is a great one, because it allowed me to talk with the [family] while learning how to work the stroller/car seat. It gave me time to learn more of the needs of the [family]. Thanks for this opportunity to meet their needs”
— CarePortal Church Leader
