Take a walk along El Paseo del Segundo Barrio at Guadalupe Plaza Park to enjoy the newly installed panels that celebrate the history of Second Ward and feature many of the families, organizations and businesses that helped shape the neighborhood. View the text of the panels here.

The Texas General Land Office granted the City of Houston limited funding to provide reimbursements for completed and eligible home repairs paid by a homeowner in excess of past aid the homeowner received from other sources. The repairs must be completed prior to the date of the application and no later than December 31st. Please visit the Harvey Homeowner Assistance Program (HoAP) website for a the full list of requirements and for information about how to submit the application.

You must submit all documentations for reimbursement by December 31, 2020. Any questions about the program or application can be directed to the Call Center at 832-393-0550.

Finca Tres Robles' co-founder Tommy Garcia-Prats, is featured as one of the Monuments to Unsung Houston Heroes this winter at Discovery Green. Finca Tres Robles is an urban farm in Second Ward, run by Tommy and two of his brothers. The farm is used as an education space and more recently has feed countless food insecure families during the pandemic.

Monuments by Craig Walsh is on view daily from dusk to 10 PM, December 12th through January 18th. Admission is free. More information here.

Celebrate Differently this Year

Houston's positivity rate increased to 10.5% this week. Please be safe this holiday season by continuing to wear a mask and physically distancing from others. Stay socially connected, while physically distant. Get creative and look for alternative ways to safely connect with family, neighbors and important traditions this year. Visit the CDC's website for some ideas about how to celebrate differently.

Please get tested if you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19. Check out the link for dates, times and locations of this week's testing sites on the City of Houston's Free COVID-19 website, or

call 832-393-4220 to reach the COVID-19 Call Center.

Please take the time to fill out the survey for the East End Bike Plan and draw your dream bikeway path. The survey will close the first week of January.

To hear some of the comments collected so far, view the East End Community Video.

Everyone deserves to be safe on our streets. That’s why Houston is committed to Vision Zero and ending traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. No loss of life is acceptable. View the Vision Zero Action Plan here.

After the fire in August, at the request of the City, Houston Parks Board conducted a structural analysis of damage to the MKT Bridge. The analysis determined that the bridge beams and caps are in fair condition. However, a couple of the bridge piles, abutment back wall, and deck expansion joint will need to be replaced prior to re-opening.

Houston Parks Board has secured a contract for the engineering work, paid for from the Bayou Greenways Maintenance budget. Repairs will require approval from the City of Houston, Harris County Flood Control District, and the Army Corps of Engineers. Houston Parks Board understands trail users are eager to see the bridge re-open, and is working as diligently and quickly as possible to begin repair work. An estimated timeline for repairs is not yet known, but Houston Parks Board will touch base once another major milestone is reached in the process.

The map of the bridge and the detour route is above.

Avenue CDC, along with many partners will host a drive-thru event at Northside High School this Saturday, December 19th, 11 am - 2pm. The event will include a food distribution, holiday gift cards, presents from Santa Claus, carols, and SNOW! Contact your Near Northside school to sign up.

This Saturday from 8-10am (or until supplies run out), the City of Houston's Animal Shelter and Adoption Center will host a Drive-Thru Pet Supplies and Pet Food Distribution event at the BARC facility on 3300 Carr Street.

Today's special: $4 Adoption Fees for all dogs weighing at least 40 pounds. Starting tomorrow: December 18th, all adoption fees are 90% Off.

View other BARC Holiday Specials here.

For more information on the upcoming series of community events and how to register, please visit BARC's website or call 311.

Register to View A Christmas Carol

The Houston Public Library has teamed up with Alley Theatre to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy the Alley's free virtual A Christmas Carol until December 27, 2020. Register here.

Commissioner Garcia is hosting a Holiday Shopping Spree for Kids on Monday December 21st, 1-3pm. This event is only for Precinct 2 residents. Children must be between the ages of newborn to 12 years of age and the child must be present during the event. Pre-registration is required to participate. You can either visit here or call 713-274-2222 to register. Visit here to see if you reside in Precinct 2.

On December 22nd and 23rd, 5-10pm, the 6th Annual Toys of Hope Experience will take place at the Community of Faith Church on 1024 Pinemont Drive. Registered families will receive free toys. Entertainment will be offered for all families. Register here.

Join the Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association as Santa and the Blue Monks, a jazz band, roam the neighborhood in Amy's Zebra art car on December 20th, 6-8pm. Feel free to watch from your porch as they drive by or follow them at a safe distance on foot, bicycle, etc. to view the Deck the Ward light displays. They’ll begin near Dow Park, on White Street between Lubbock and Kane at 6pm. Check the Old Sixth Ward website for route details.

Bank of America is seeking 11th and 12th grade students who are making an impact on their community. Through the Student Leaders Program, Bank of America recognizes high school students who lead and serve in their own communities and beyond. Student Leaders are connected to tools and resources to help make communities better. Application closes January 29, 2021. More info here.

Texas CARES is providing 3 free COVID-19 antibody tests over a 6-month period to Texans (5-80 years of age). Texas CARES is offered by the UTHealth School of Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

More info here.

Sign up today and start learning for free! Develop a new skill or sharpen your skills for your next job with LinkedIn Learning and Microsoft Learn. Certification tests are offered at discounted rates and job-seeking tools are free. The program closes March 31, 2021. Start now!

Build Skills in Design and Digital Literacy with Paid Training: Ages 16-24, currently not in school or employed. The next cohort starts January 11th. More Information here.

Goodwill Houston Offers Free Job Training: For those with a median income of $37,000 or less and have a dependent under the age of 18. The next cohort starts January 19th. More information here.

Graphic Design Paid Training: Ages 16-24 Virtual Career Training. More information here.

Free Tuition and Supplies for Healthcare Training! Provided by San Jacinto College, you can find more information and requirements here.

*Please refer to the District H Resource page for more opportunities.*

Check out our District H Resources Page for links and more information about available resources. Resources are updated every week.

Download the 311 app to your Android or iPhone. When you see an issue in your neighborhood, use the app to report it. You can even include photos! If you prefer to talk directly to a representative about your issue, or want to request information about City resources, birth certificates, elections, and more, call 713-837-0311. Remember: Always call 911 in the case of an emergency!