Greater Northside Management District
March 2, 2021
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Dear GNMD Friend,
We know that you may have been affected by the recent winter storm. Our thoughts go out to you and yours. This newsletter contains information on resources available to you from the Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund and FEMA.
Despite the weather, we hope that you are considering the COVID-19 vaccine. If we are going to reach herd immunity to fight this battle, it is essential that as many people as possible receive the vaccine. Priority for the vaccine is being given to those who live in zip code 77022, which is considered high risk.
There are several events coming up in the area, and we hope you'll consider taking part in them.
Kudos to Saint Arnold Brewing Company for being selected by USA Today in a competition for best beer garden in the country. Let's help them win. Cast your vote daily until March 16 at 11 a.m.
Thank you for being part of the Greater Northside Management District community!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Reyna
Executive Director
#NorthsideStrong
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Paycheck Protection Program for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees |
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Beginning February 24 and lasting for 14 days, changes were made to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to create equity, promote efficiency and reduce fraud and waste.
Applications already submitted by lenders to the SBA before the start of the exclusivity period will still be processed. When counting employees, each employee counts as one regardless of whether they are full time, part time or seasonal.
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Houston Harris County
Winter Storm Relief Fund established
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Recognizing the dire hardships created by the recent extreme winter weather, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo established the Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund to help our region’s most vulnerable neighbors.
The Fund will focus on relief and recovery efforts across the City of Houston and Harris County by:
- Meeting unmet needs of families who need additional help to recover.
- Supporting nonprofits that can help with plumbing and home repairs.
- Providing temporary housing and other basic needs relief.
- Filling the gaps that may not be met by other local and federal efforts.
If you were impacted by the storm and need help, text HoustonFreeze to 898211. For Spanish, text HoustonAyuda to 898211 (TXT211 on iPhone). When assistance is available, you will be contacted regarding eligibility requirements and application information.
The Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston are administering the grant distribution process. Go to www.WinterStormReliefFund.org f or more information or to make an online donation.
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FEMA announces emergency aid |
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FEMA announced federal emergency aid is available to the state of Texas to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by a severe winter storm beginning on February 11, 2021, and continuing.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
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FEMA anuncia ayuda de emergencia para Texas |
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FEMA anunció que se ha puesto a disposición del estado de Texas ayuda federal de emergencia para complementar los esfuerzos de recuperación estatales, tribales y locales en las áreas afectadas tras la severa tormenta invernal que comenzó el 11 de febrero de 2021 y posteriormente.
Las personas y los dueños de negocios que sufrieron pérdidas en el área designada pueden comenzar a solicitar asistencia registrándose en línea en http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov o llamando al 1-800-621-3362 o 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
La asistencia puede incluir subvenciones para vivienda temporal y reparaciones del hogar, préstamos a bajo costo para cubrir pérdidas de propiedad no aseguradas y otros programas para ayudar a las personas y propietarios de negocios para recuperarse de los estragos de dicho desastre.
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District 148 State Representative Penny Morales Shaw has compiled a list of winter storm resources for the community at https://bit.ly/3pLg88g. This list includes:
- City resources.
- County resources.
- State and federal resources.
- Plumbing and home repair.
- Legal aid.
- Food and water distribution sites.
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COVID-19 rental assistance programs |
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Houston and Harris County
Renters in Houston and Harris County who are struggling to make ends meet because of the COVID-19 pandemic could begin applying for assistance on February 25.
This latest round of rental assistance totals $159 million. BakerRipley and Catholic Charities will administer the program.
“This program will bring much-needed relief for those tenants who are due to pay rent,” said Cristina Cave, community relations manager for BakerRipley. “This will go back to April of last year. It will cover rent up to present.”
She said the program is for renters in the city or county who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are behind on rent or facing eviction.
Applicants will need to show proof and there are some income limits. The program can also cover some past-due utilities.
For more information and to apply online, go to HoustonHarrisHelp.org. In addition, a special phone line, 832-402-7568, will take questions and provide applicants with the status of their applications. The phone hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Texas Rent Relief Program
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) launched the Texas Rent Relief Program — the first statewide rent and utility assistance program for qualifying households throughout Texas — on February 15.
To qualify, households must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income as well as meet other criteria. Per federal guidelines, TDHCA will prioritize applications for households at or below 50 percent of the area median income level and households where one or more members are currently unemployed and have been for at least 90 days. Landlords are encouraged to apply on behalf of tenants, who must co-sign the application.
Applicants can submit their application by calling 1-833-9TX-RENT (1-833-989-7368) or submitting it online at TexasRentRelief.com. The call center is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Register for the COVID-19 vaccine |
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Houston Health Department
The Houston Health Department's Area Agency on Aging is offering online registration for qualifying people to join the waitlist for the COVID-19 mass vaccination site at NRG Park.
People with internet or technology challenges may call 832-393-4301 to join the waitlist. Please leave a voicemail with a name and phone number and calls will be returned.
The department’s NRG Park waitlist is open to people age 65 and older and people age 60 and older with chronic health conditions.
The drive-thru site will administer the Pfizer vaccine and schedule the second dose for the same location 21-days after the first.
La agencia del área local para adultos mayores (AAA) del Departamento de Salud de Houston (HHD) está ofreciendo una opción de registración en línea a la lista de espera para vacunación masiva en contra del COVID19 en el NRG Park. Las personas que no se puedan registrar en línea pueden llamar al 832-393-4301.
La lista de espera de NRG Park está disponible a personas de 65 años o más y personas de 60 años o más con enfermedades crónicas.
Este lugar ofrecerá la vacuna Pfizer por ventanilla autoservicio y programará la segunda dosis para el mismo lugar 21 días después de la primera dosis.
Para registrarse en la lista de espera, complete el formulario a la derecha. Si necesita ayuda, llame al 832-393-4301.
Harris County Public Health
Join the Harris County Public Health waitlist at https://vacstrac.hctx.net/landing* or call 832-927-8787. (* This site is not supported in Internet Explorer. Please use a different web browser.)
In addition to people 65 and older, priority is being given to those living in zip code 77022, which is considered high risk.
Stay Smart / Do Your Part
Getting through the COVID-19 emergency requires all of us to do our part to reach herd immunity. For more information, visit www.StaySmartDoYourPart.com for information regarding the vaccine, including FAQs, myths and facts.
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FREE+FAST+SAFE COVID-19 testing sites |
Getting tested at Houston Health Department-affiliated sites is free and does not require proof of residency, citizenship or insurance. To find a location near you, click here.
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Current COVID-19 Level: Level 1 - Stay Home |
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Level 1 signifies a severe and uncontrolled level of COVID-19 in Harris County, meaning outbreaks are present and worsening and that testing and contact tracing capacity is strained or exceeded.
At this level, residents need to take action to minimize contacts with others wherever possible and avoid leaving home except for the most essential needs (e.g., going to the grocery store for food and medicine).
Stay Alert
Regardless of the Current Threat Level in Harris County, all residents should continue the use of social distancing, frequent hand washing and the use of face coverings. Any residents exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine for 14 days regardless of the level indicated.
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Be Well, Be Connected:
Mental health care for youth ages 9 to 17
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Be Well, Be Connected offers access to mental health care for youth ages 9 to 17. Eligible youth include students from five Houston area school districts and youth who are referred from the community.
School-based screenings, referrals and home- and community-based services are provided. Direct services are offered to youth who are experiencing disruption and interference in their lives from serious emotional disturbances (SED), including first-episode psychosis and bipolar disorder.
The services include family support that is offered in their homes and communities. A student can self-refer or be referred by a teacher, parent or counselor.
Be Well, Be Connected is a collaboration of the City of Houston, Baylor College of Medicine and other medical organizations.
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Click here for information on COVID-19 resources and other preparedness information for Harris County.
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The Houston Food Bank supports food and produce distributions, senior boxes, meal sites and more!
Click here for a map of food distribution locations. Click here for a list of organizations offering food assistance.
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Did you know? SNAP (food stamps) provides $150 a month for food. To find out if you qualify, text SNAP to 74544. |
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Domestic Violence
If you are experiencing violence because you are forced to stay with an abusive partner, call the Houston Area Women’s Center 24-hour hotline for free-and-confidential assistance.
Houston Area Women's Center
Domestic Violence Hotline
713-528-2121
TTY: 713-528-3625
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Free Legal Clinics
for Veterans
Legal clinics offer free advice by phone to low-income, U.S. military veterans every Friday, 2 to 5 p.m.
Veterans may submit applications by phone at 713-228-0735
The clinic is open to all low-income veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in the Houston area.
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Legal Assistance
Click here for information on free legal assistance and resources from the Houston Bar Association.
Online Resources
Stop TX Eviction is an online portal that provides free information and guidance to help tenants understand their legal rights and remedies available to keep them housed.
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How to manage a court date
if you have an underlying health condition
Due to COVID-19, you may be part of the vulnerable population, especially if you are older than 65 years of age; suffer with underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma or whose immune system is compromised due chemotherapy for cancer; or have any other condition requiring such therapy.
If you are part of this group, please contact the Houston Municipal Courts at 713-247-8924 and speak to someone regarding a special accommodation and a specialized docket to ensure
your continued safety.
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The Financial Empowerment Centers (FECs) provide one-to-one, professional financial counseling to Houstonians at no cost.
The service is an initiative of the Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities supported by Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and Regions Bank.
FEC counselors provide guidance to how to manage your money, pay down debt, increase saving, establish and build credit, and access safe-and-affordable mainstream banking products.
All services are free and available to all residents regardless of income. Counseling assistance is available in English and Spanish.
Click here for more information and to make an appointment.
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Memorial Assistance Ministries Lost Loved One Program
Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) has launched the Lost Loved One program to provide financial assistance to families facing the loss of an immediate family member due to COVID-19.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery or Waller County;
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Consejos Legales is a service of the Mexican American Bar Association and the Hispanic Bar Association that offers legal consultations by phone to residents of Houston and Harris County on the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. To confirm the date and time of the next Consejos Legales, check the website calendar or call the Houston Bar Association at 713-759-1133.
Consejos Legales es un programa de la Asociación Mexicana de Abogados y la Asociación Hispana de Abogados. El programa ofrece asesoría legal gratuita en español por teléfono para los residentes de Houston y el Condado de Harris el primer jueves de cada mes, entre las 6 y las 8 p.m. Para confirmar la fecha y hora de los siguientes Consejos Legales, consulte el calendario del sitio web o llame a la oficina de Houston Bar Association al 713-759-1133. |
- Have experienced the loss of an immediate family member due to COVID-19 since March 1, 2020; and
- Have a household income of less than 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).
Qualifying families will be provided $3,500 to address immediate needs such as funeral arrangements or assistance with rent, mortgage or utilities. All individuals will receive information and referrals to grief counseling.
For more information, click here to visit the MAM website at or call the information line at 713-468-4516 ext. 149. |
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Entrepreneur Academy classes being held in Spanish on Saturdays: March 6 to April 24 |
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BakerRipley will be offering virtual educational classes for those interested in starting a business or entrepreneurs who have been with their business for more than one year and are looking for strategies to expand their business. This is an eight-week program held on Saturdays, completely in Spanish, and is free to the community. Register at http://bit.ly/formulariodeinteres. For more information, call 346-570-4444 or go to opportunity@bakerripley.org.
El programa de Conexión Empresarial de BakerRipley está ofreciendo clases educativas virtuales para personas interesadas en iniciar un negocio (clase Lanzar) o emprendedores que tienen más de 1 año con su negocio y que buscan estrategias para expandir su negocio (clase Crecer). Este es un programa de 8 semanas (8 sábados) y es completamente gratis. Si está interesado (a) en participar, regístrese aquí: http://bit.ly/formulariodeinteres.
Clases inician el 06 de Marzo y concluyen el 24 de Abril.
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Independence Heights Drive-Thru Food Distribution & Block Party Jam:
Sunday, March 7, noon
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Capital Improvement Program virtual meeting: Monday, March 8, 1 p.m. |
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The Greater Northside Management District’s Capital Improvement Program meeting will be held on Monday, March 8, at 1 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
To participate in the meeting using Zoom, click on the following link:
Meeting ID: 845 9371 6523 Passcode: GNMDCIP
One tap mobile: +13462487799,,84593716523#,,,,*4646529#
Dial: +1 346 248 7799. The Meeting ID is 845 9371 6523. The Passcode is 4646529.
Agenda
Introductions
Report on other infrastructure projects in the District:
- TxDOT North Houston Highway Improvement Project
- Other Active Transportation Improvements or Studies
Report on the following ongoing projects of the Greater Northside Management District Capital Improvements Program (CIP) including budgets and approve recommendations to the District’s Board of Directors:
- Transit Improvement Projects
- Beautification Projects
- Urban Design and Art Projects
- Discuss GNMD Area Project Map
- Discussion on Greater Northside Potential Capital Improvement Projects
Discuss agenda for the next Committee meeting scheduled for June 14, 2021.
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Love Your Pet events:
March 8, March 11 and April 10
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Spay / Neuter Surgery
Pet food distribution: March 8, March 11, April 10
Due to the Winter Storm, three Love Your Pet Month Pet Pantries have been rescheduled. Council Member Karla Cisneros is partnering with the Houston Humane Society, Best Friends, PetSet, Big Fix and Unity for a Solution to offer pet pantries on these dates:
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March 8, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ryon Civic Association, 4501 Elysian St, 77009
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March 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Joseph House Community Outreach Center, 7802 Jensen Dr, 77093
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April 10, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Funeraria del Angel Crespo, 2516 Navigation Blvd, 77003
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Virtual Trash Bash 2021:
Thursday, March 25, to Sunday, March 28
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Eastex Jensen art bus pop ups:
March 7, March 27 and April 10
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Eastex Jensen Art Submissions:
Due Saturday, April 17
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Calling all art students and creative minds in the Eastex/Jensen community! Would you like to see your artwork displayed in the Eastex/Jensen neighborhood?
Crate Houston will be creating a virtual gallery to showcase works of art. They will place QR codes around the Eastex/Jensen neighborhood so that visitors and passersby can scan the code and see the gallery. The gallery will also be on the Crate Houston website.
Art in all visual styles and media may be accepted. The deadline for submissions is April 17, 2021.
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Save the Date for Westcott Cemetery:
"Springing into Sharing our Vision"
Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m.
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This onsite event at the Historic McDaniel Street Cemetery
in Eastex/Jensen is planned with COVID safety foremost in mind.
Saturday, April 10, 2021 (Rain date April 17th)
10 - 11:30 a.m.
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TxDOT issues Record of Decision
for North Houston Highway Improvement Project
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The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the proposed North Houston Highway Improvement Project. The ROD, which is available for review, identifies the selected alternative and signifies the completion of the environmental review process.
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State Representative Jarvis Johnson
holds Legislative Town Hall
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District 139 State Representative Jarvis Johnson recently held a Legislative Town Hall meeting. Click here to review the presentation, which includes updates on committee assignments, new bills, the response to the winter storm, helping District 139 recover and resources for the winter storm and COVID-19. |
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New Houston BCycle station available |
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The Greater Northside has a new Houston BCycle station located at 600 Quitman Street (Quitman near the Northside METRORail). For more information, go to www.houstonbcycle.com.
Did you know that student and staff discounts for local college and universities are available for BCycle's Annual Membership option? Click here for more information and the discount codes!
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James Driver Park to be expanded
to accommodate children with disabilities
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Plans are underway to expand the James Driver Park in the East Aldine community to accommodate children with all levels of abilities, including those with and without disabilities.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia believes parks should be for everybody regardless of limitations and challenges. When complete, the 29-acre park will serve as a hub for the local community and provide a space for residents of all ages and abilities to exercise, socialize and play. The expansion will be the first of its kind in the area.
Click here for more information on the park's expansion plans.
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Greater Northside Management District
Business Highlights
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Help Saint Arnold Brewing Company
win the "best beer garden in the country":
Vote daily through Tuesday, March 16
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Saint Arnold Brewing Company has been selected by USA Today in a competition for best beer garden in the country.
Let's help Saint Arnold win this award. You can vote daily through 11 a.m. on March 16 by clicking here. |
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Purchase your cleaning supplies at
Dawson Chemical & Janitorial Supply Company
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Dawson Chemical & Janitorial Supply Company in the Greater Northside has been serving Houston and surrounding areas for over 41 years. They have one of the largest janitorial inventory supply, which allows them to provide immediate service to their customers.
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Dawson Chemical & Janitorial Supply Company
6010 Irvington Blvd.
Houston, TX 77009
713 697-7137 Tel 713 697-9380 Fax
Mon - Fri 8am - 5:30pm Saturday 9am - 3pm
Email: daws.chem@yahoo.com
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Latin Specialties provides Hispanic, Asian,
Caribbean and other ethnic produce
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Latin Specialties is a family-owned business in the Greater Northside that provides quality, fresh produce to businesses at an exceptional value. They specialize in Hispanic, Asian, Caribbean and other ethnic produce. Visit their website at latinspecialties.com to learn more and to view their flavorable recipes!
Latin Specialties LLC
4132 Airline Drive
Houston, TX 77022
Phone: 713-861-8107
Fax: 713-861-8121
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Whip up something special
for your next private party
or team-building event.
Planning a special reception, social soirée,
or corporate team-building event?
Let Le Bistro make it magnifique!
Nestled in the heart of Culinary Institute Lenotre, Le Bistro is not only Houston’s best kept culinary secret, it’s also the ideal space for parties, private workshops, conferences, special dinners and more.
Now until April, SAVE 25%
on your next private event!
Private Rooms
LA SALLE ROUGE
Reception Capacity: 40
Excellent for private gatherings and meals.
CHEF TABLE Seats 10-12
Perfect for cocktail receptions, private bar functions, happy hours
and business meetings.
WINE LOUNGE
Reception Capacity: 25
Elevates your dining experience in a one-of-a-kind culinary atmosphere.
We also offer 10 team building kitchens and a spacious amphitheater.
TEAMBUILDING KITCHENS
Capacity: 14 ea.
These dynamic, modern kitchens are designed for team-building
activities and hands-on workshops.
CRUMP AMPHITHEATER
Capacity: 120
Ideal for training seminars, meetings and presentations,
culinary demonstrations or competitions.
Full Audio & Visual | WIFI available
For details and reservations for the finest fine-dining and private event experience in Houston, visit lebistro-houston.com today.
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Would you like to have your business,
restaurant or event featured in our newsletter?
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Send us an update, and we'll gladly feature it in our newsletter!
If you have a picture, that helps to draw the eye to the article. Please give us at least two-weeks notice!
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The Greater Northside Management District's Butterfly Pocket Park on Fulton won the award for On-the-Ground Projects Under $500K in the 2020 Houston-Galveston Area Council Parks and Natural Areas Award Program. Each year, H-GAC honors projects that serve as models for planning and implementation for parks and natural areas in the region. |
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