Despite the Governor's order that goes into effect next Wednesday, the evidence is clear. Masking up helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. When people wear masks, it lets businesses and schools safely remain open. Wearing a face mask helps protect both the wearer of the mask, as well as those around them from the airborne virus. Wearing a face mask remains an important tool in stemming the deadly spread of this disease.

Over 90% of Texans have still not yet received a vaccination. Prematurely lifting the mask mandate puts countless vulnerable people at risk. Please use your best judgement. Make the choice to protect your health as well as the health of others around you, and wear a mask.

The Houston Heath Department opened up a waitlist for its initial allotment of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, in addition to the waitlists for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

The State of Texas just announced that teachers and child care workers are now eligible for the vaccine. The waitlist is open to people 65 and older, people 16 and older with chronic health conditions, and people with disabilities may also join the waitlist. If you are 60 and older, you can also register by calling 832-393-4301. People with disabilities can call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 832-393-5500. Anyone else needing registration assistance can contact the COVID-19 call center at 832-393-4220. Please leave a voicemail with a name and phone number and calls will be returned. Join the waitlist here.

Stay tuned to news media for the latest updates regarding the State of Texas directives outlining who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

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.

Openings are still available to District H residents for free spay/neuter surgeries as part of Love Your Pet Month, sponsored by Council Member Karla Cisneros. Sign up today by visiting the Love Your Pet website.

Council Member Cisneros has also partnered with the Houston Humane Society, to offer free pet food pantries at these upcoming events:

Hope to see you there!

The Hire Houston Youth (HHY) summer intern program will soon be accepting applications for the Summer 2021 program. Potential applicants must be between 16-24 years old, reside within Houston city limits, and be capable of committing to working June 14th - August 5th . Each intern will earn $10 per hour and work a total of 32 hours per work week.

The link to register will be available made available March 15th on the Hire Houston Youth website .

Join Council Member Cisneros for the upcoming Childhood & Youth Committee meeting on March 10th at 2pm to hear about innovative new partnerships and expanded opportunities for hiring young people for the Mayor's 2021 Hire Houston Youth Program.

More info here.

When you make the street safer for people walking and on bikes, you make it safer and more comfortable for everyone.

Join Second Ward Complete Communities on Saturday March 13, 2021 from 10am-2pm on Commerce St, between Milby St and Drennan St for a bike lane demonstration.

Public Works has began to perform drainage improvements and pavement rehabilitation at E 26th Street from N Main to Link Road. Construction began March 1st and is expected to take 120-150 days to complete. All impacted citizens will be notified 48 hours in advance prior to initiate construction. More info here.

This Sunday, March 7th, Independence Heights is hosting a mass distribution event entitled, Bounce Back Independence Heights Drive-Thru Block Party. Food, water and other resources will be distributed from 12-4 pm.

The Tide 'Loads of Hope' Truck will be in Independence Heights this week too on Thursday, March 4th, to Friday, March 6th, from 9am to 5pm daily. Laundry services are free and limited to 1 load per family. Residents can drop clothes off in the morning and pick them up clean the same day. Ture Light MBC, 7102 North Main St.

Target Hunger will host a food drive on Monday, March 8th, 9 - 11am at the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center at 6402 Market St, 77020. The distribution is drive through with food loaded into your trunk.

Northside High School will be distributing up to 500 curbside meals every Thursday, for the remainder of the school year, from 2pm to 5pm. If you want to contribute, they are asking the community to pitch in to purchase basic necessities such as tissue paper, water, masks, and hygiene items to distribute as well. The items will need to be dropped off at Northside High School on Wednesdays.

The Comcast RISE Investment Fund will provide $1 million dollars of grants to hundreds of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses in Houston. The application period is March 1-14th. Grant winners will be announced at the end of April 2021. This will be part of the presentation at the Childhood & Youth Committee Meeting March 10th at 2pm. More info here.

If you have storm debris that need to be removed, 311 is accepting all storm debris requests, including those from areas within the City not serviced by SWMD (sponsorship areas, private collection, etc.). Please make sure to specify to the 311 operator the request is for storm debris. There are 6 neighborhood depositories that are accepting residential storm debris. Please visit here for locations. Additionally, heavy trash code enforcement will be suspended through March 12, 2021. To view Waste Management's press release, click here.

Houston Public Works has new data bases on water meter readings that shows an estimated 25% of all Houston Water customers experienced a leak on their property during the cold weather event. Houston Public Works received over 11,000 calls for help with water service the weeks during and after the event. If you are still without water service, please call 3-1-1. More info here.

Thank you Denver Harbor residents who participated in the 50/50 Park Partners Community Listening Session earlier this week to collect input about future improvements to Nieto Park! Please take a moment to fill out this survey before March 31st to give your input on what you’d like to see in this neighborhood park.

The Downtown District hosted the Warehouse District Vision Plan Public Workshop on March 1, 2021. They asked for stakeholders to complete this online survey. Your comments on the three frameworks will help with recommendations for the final Warehouse District Vision Plan. A copy of their presentation can be found here.

Last week, the phone number and email for the Rebuilding Together program were incorrect. The correct number is (713) 659-2511 and the correct email is Intake@rebuildinghouston.org.

Rebuilding Together is providing free repairs to low income neighbors in Second Ward and Independence Heights. Call (713) 659-2511 during office hours Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5pm, or email Intake@rebuildinghouston.org to apply. These are emergency repairs at single family homes for plumbing only, to stop leaks and restore water service to the home, not complete repairs. Before work can begin, home ownership must be verified and two waivers must be signed.

Those impacted by the storm and needing help now can text HoustonFreeze to 898211, or for Spanish, text HoustonAyuda to 898211. When assistance is available, individuals will be contacted regarding eligibility requirements and information on how to apply. Families are also encouraged to also apply to FEMA now. Please visit the District H Resource page for more winter storm recovery links.

Please fill out these surveys to help Houston and Harris County assess the damage caused by the winter storm.

If you are able to make a donation and help fellow Houstonians in need, please visit winterstormrelieffund.org to make your contribution. Every dollar helps!

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston has launched SERVE HOUSTON and is now recruiting high school graduates, gap year students, current college students and recent college graduates to be Service Ambassadors.

Service ambassadors will serve 20 hours a week, receive a monthly $600 compensation for the six month service period, and receive an education award upon the successful completion of the service period. They will help Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels seniors, refugees, and lead volunteer projects for the Greater Houston community, and have fun, learn about service. Apply here.

Free Job Training for Customer Service Call Center, Construction & Safety, Warehouse & Forklift, and Banking. Starting March 8th and provided by SERJobs. Text JOB to 69922 to apply. More info here.

Virtual Career Fair for US Military Job Seekers and Spouses: March 11th, 11am-3pm. Pre-Registration is required. Participation is free for all job seekers. More info here.

Free Training in Logistics and Forklift for East End Residents: Provided by HCC, you can find more information here.

Department Labor: Construction Trades Apprenticeship: Free training and opportunity for a paid position. Contact Dale Sanford at 832-429-1944 or dale@builtrite.work. More information here.

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

Learn Relevant Skills for In-Demand Jobs: Microsoft Learn and LinkedIn Learning offering free training, discounted certification test, and free job-seeking tools. Program closes March 31st. Start now!

*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!