Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Wiggs.
Hi Raquel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Under the Bridge Ministries began with a simple desire to show love, compassion, and dignity to people experiencing homelessness in Fort Worth. What started as providing meals and basic necessities quickly became something much deeper — building relationships and creating a consistent presence for people who are often overlooked.
Over time, we saw that many individuals needed more than food. They needed encouragement, prayer, connection, and someone willing to truly see them. That realization led us to expand our outreach to include clothing, hygiene items, haircuts, resource connections, and ongoing community support every Sunday evening in the East Lancaster area.
Today, Under the Bridge Ministries continues to grow through volunteers, community partnerships, and generous supporters who share the same heart for serving others. Our focus has always remained the same: meeting people where they are, restoring dignity, and reminding every person that they are valued, loved, and never forgotten.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. Like many grassroots nonprofits, we started with limited resources but a big heart to serve. One of the biggest challenges has been meeting the growing needs of the homeless community while relying heavily on donations, volunteers, and community support. There are times when resources feel stretched, especially with the increasing demand for food, clothing, hygiene items, and outreach support.
Another challenge has been witnessing the difficult realities many people face — addiction, mental health struggles, loss, and hopelessness. Those experiences can be emotionally heavy, but they have also strengthened our commitment to showing compassion without judgment.
As we’ve grown, balancing outreach, organization, fundraising, partnerships, and long-term sustainability has also been a learning process. But every challenge has reinforced why this work matters. Seeing lives touched, relationships built, and people feel seen and valued keeps us moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Throughout my professional journey, I have been drawn to roles centered around helping people, building relationships, and serving the community. My background includes experience in customer service, healthcare administration, outreach, and nonprofit work, all of which have strengthened my ability to connect with individuals from many different walks of life.
Professionally, I am known for being compassionate, dependable, organized, and service-oriented. I have experience managing responsibilities that require communication, problem-solving, coordination, and attention to detail while maintaining a caring and professional approach.
One of the most meaningful parts of my career has been leading and growing Under the Bridge Ministries. Through this work, I have gained experience in community outreach, volunteer coordination, fundraising, partnership development, event planning, and serving vulnerable populations with dignity and respect.
What continues to motivate me professionally is the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether through nonprofit outreach, administrative support, or community engagement, I strive to lead with compassion, integrity, and a genuine heart for service.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
One of the most important qualities contributing to my success is compassion combined with consistency. Compassion allows me to genuinely connect with people, understand their needs, and serve others with empathy and respect. Consistency is what helps build trust and lasting relationships — especially within the community work we do through Under the Bridge Ministries.
I believe showing up faithfully, even during challenges, makes a meaningful difference. Whether working with volunteers, community partners, or individuals experiencing hardship, being dependable, compassionate, and willing to serve others wholeheartedly has been one of the greatest keys to both personal and professional growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.UTBFW.org
- Facebook: Under the Bridge Fort Worth
