The CDC recommends that schools require masks next year because kids are NOT vaccinated. The spikes that have happened recently have been because of kids, not vaccinated adults. Many physicians are echoing the recommendations of the CDC, and saying that kids need to keep wearing masks in enclosed spaces because they aren't protected.

Yesterday our Governor took away the right for school districts to require masks on their campuses after this school year ends, and is threatening those who do with monetary fines.

This means the responsibility is now fully on parents, so please, please help keep kids safe by educating yourself on why kids need to keep wearing masks until they can be protected.

View the CDC's Guidelines here.

It is so easy to get vaccinated today! Do your part to help decrease the spread of COVID-19. All Houston Health Department vaccination sites are now accepting walk-ins. Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine webpage or call the COVID hotline 832-393-4420 or 832-393-4301 to find a nearby site hosted by the City. Visit the Vaccination Availability Map on the Texas Department of State Health Services to find all the vaccination sites in the Houston area.

If you believe you have been exposed, please visit the City of Houston's Free COVID-19 website for dates, times, and locations of this week's testing sites, or call 832-393-4220 to reach the COVID-19 Call Center.

Council Member Cisneros is pleased to help welcome Olivera Jankovska as the new Director of the Mayor's Office of Education. Ms. Olivera worked as a spokesperson for UNICEF USA - Southwest Region and leveraged the agency's education, advocacy, and influence to transform the lives of children. View the media release here.

. . . and pick up some free pet food while you're at it!

This Friday, May 21 from 10 am-noon, we welcome the HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY back to District H for another Free Pet Food Pantry at Ryan Civic Club, 4501 Elysian. Council Member Cisneros is sponsoring vouchers for free spay/neuter surgeries for the pets of District H residents. Sign up your pet for the free surgery while you are there, or register online here.

Houston Food Bank and HISD Wraparound services are hosting a Food Mobile at Raul Martinez Elementary School on May 24th from 9 am - 12 pm. You will need to stay in your vehicle, text HFBBPK to 855-788-3663 when you arrive, and open the link you receive to complete the application. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 8 am and to contact Maria.Cantu2@houstonisd.org with any questions. View the flyer here.

Join the Independence Heights Community on Sunday, May 23rd at 7203 North Main. The North Main Marketplace will open at 1 pm and close at 5 pm. Come support the community!

More info here.

Friday, May 21st is Bike To Wherever Day and Houston BCycle is offering free 30-minute rides from any BCycle station in the City. Download the BCycle app and use the code BTWD or 0521 at the Kiosk. More info here.

Due to inclement weather, the Drive-in Movie event has been rescheduled for August. The next Drive-In Movie is Dora and the Lost City of Gold on June 17th at 6:30 pm at 333 S Jensen Drive. View the schedule here. For more information contact Abraham Zorrilla at 832-393-6634 or at abraham.zorrilla@houstontx.gov.

Join Bible Days Revival Church on June 12th from 9 am to 12 pm for a water distribution event. Bible Days Revival is located at 501 Quitman St, in the Near Northside.

Near Northside Complete Communities will meet virtually Tuesday, May 25th at 6 pm to select a project to move forward. Visit the Near Northside Complete Communities website for viewing information. Please complete the Let's Talk Houston survey to select your top 3 projects. The survey closes on May 24th. If you missed last month's meeting, you can view the meeting here and look at the notes here.

Join the Mayor’s Office of Education youth-voice workshop on May 22nd at 11 am and help turn YOUR city into a safe-child friendly community by sharing your voice and experiences. The workshop will aim to get a better understanding of the current state of children's rights and youth wellness in the City of Houston. 

The knowledge gathered in these workshops will help create a safer, child-friendly environment for Houston youth. The Mayor's Office of Education is excited to hear from you and encourage you to be a leading voice for your community through the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative! RSVP here. View the agenda here.

Vecino Clinic is offering a virtual Wellness Workshop in Spanish to provide support to parents of school-age children and youth during these trying times. The presentation will offer practical strategies to help improve interactions between family members, give ideas for effective discipline, and how to strengthen the parent-child bond. Register here by 5 pm on May 24th. More info here.

The Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) is working to better equip the community with hurricane preparedness information. HCDD is looking to partner with organizations to organize and execute community outreach programs in historically underserved populations. The Virtual Grant Introduction Workshop will be on May 27th, 10 am - 11:30 am, learn how to join the meeting here. Contact fairhousing@houstontx.gov for more information or questions. More info here.

Animal lovers are invited to the virtual pet walk to help raise funds and awareness for BARC Animal Shelter. The 5th Annual BARK for BARC Virtual 5K will be between June 1st - June 7th.

Register now. More info here.

Ask the experts in the Solid Waste Department on May 27th from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Solid Waste experts will be available to answer any questions about junk waste and tree waste. Questions can be submitted to SWDWorks@houstontx.gov. More info here.

A new homeownership opportunity offers subsidies of up to $150,000 to reduce prices so that residents can afford the home of their choice. Learn about the Homebuyer Choice Program virtually on May 21st from 11 am - 12:30 pm. Register here. If you have any questions or need assistance with registering contact LaTasha Smith at LaTasha.Smith@houstontx.gov.

Would you like to find out information on your home history? Preservation Houston and the Houston Public Library are inviting you to a virtual workshop on May 27th at 6:30 pm to outline some of the research materials available online. Registration is required and free. More info here.

Precinct 2 Step-Up Internship: Program with Commissioner Adrian Garcia for college students who have a minimum of 30 credit hours and are Precinct 2 residents. The internship will run from June 7, 2021, through August 15, 2021. More info here.

Free Job Training for Many Careers provided by SERJobs. Text JOB to 69922 to apply. More info here.

Aviation Maintenance Jet Camp for High School Juniors and Senior: See where a career in Aviation Maintenance can take you. More info here.

Hire Houston Youth: The deadline to apply for a summer job has been extended! Applicants must be between 16-24 years old, reside in Houston City Limits, and commit to working June 14th - August 5th. Intern positions will work 32 hours per week and earn $10 per hour. Apply here.

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

*Please visit 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!