City Partnership to Brings Four Tuition-Free
Bezos Academy Preschools to Houston in 2022
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The City of Houston announced partnerships with Bezos Academy to open four tuition-free preschools in Houston, two of which will be located in Complete Communities. The Montessori-inspired preschools are planned to begin opening in fall 2022.
Bezos Academy will work with Community Family Centers, located in Magnolia Park-Manchester, New Hope Housing, located in Sunnyside, San Jacinto College and the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center.
Community Family Centers will host four preschool classrooms in its facility at 7524 Avenue E. New Hope Housing’s preschool, located at the Reed Family Center facility at 2605 Reed Road, will feature two classrooms. San Jacinto’s preschool will operate at their North Campus Child Care Center.
The Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center, located at 6402 Market St., will feature two classrooms. The school will follow a full-day, year-round schedule and will be slated to open in Fall 2022.
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All schools will follow a full-day, year-round schedule, and will be slated to open in Fall 2022. Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty limit with children aged 3-4 are eligible to apply. More information and an application to the lottery-based selection process will be posted at www.bezosacademy.org once the school opening dates are set.
"The City of Houston's partnership with Bezos Academy will offer access to Montessori-inspired preschools in two of our Complete Communities, which have some of the highest rates of childhood poverty in our city. While there are multiple components to the program, none is more critical than early childhood education and development. I am incredibly grateful that the Bezos Academy chose Houston and look forward to working together to improve educational opportunities for children and their families."
- Mayor Sylvester Turner
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Free Meals for Kids Delivered to Your Home |
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Kids’ Meals is a nonprofit organization seeking to end childhood hunger in Houston by delivering free meals directly to the homes of children ages 5 years and under. You can sign up for your child to receive free meals by visiting kidsmealsinc.org and click “Need Help?” or call 713-695-5437 for assistance or questions. Kids’ Meals is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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City Receives $150K Grant to Promote Equitable
Career Opportunities for Youth
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The National League of Cities (NLC) awarded the City of Houston a $150,000 grant as part of a new initiative to make economic opportunity for youth and young adults who are marginalized from quality education and career opportunities.
Houston joins five other cities from across the nation that will also receive specialized assistance from NLC’s staff and other national experts to advance the city’s efforts to expand STEM career pathways for marginalized young people.
“This award is a big win for young people. They will benefit from significant career development opportunities made possible by this grant,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “These are children who would otherwise go without, now having experiences and connections they never thought possible. I commend the National League of Cities for their continued commitment to the future leaders of this country.”
With the grant money, the Mayor’s Office of Education looks forward to targeted support of the Hire Houston Youth (HHY) program by connecting diverse opportunity youth to the unique STEM and technology-focused workforce development.
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The program connects these students to job opportunities in the Houston market as well as the employer partners for whom we custom design employment and youth empowerment programs. If you are youth 16-24 years old or an employer willing to participate, please visit Hire Houston Youth.
Since its inception in 2016, Hire Houston Youth has touched the lives of over 30,000 young Houstonians by linking them to job and internship opportunities. To date, HHY has worked with 102 corporate & non-profit partners to facilitate job opportunities for Houston youth to advance their skills, explore career interests, and empower themselves financially. If you are youth 16-24 years old or an employer willing to participate, please visit Hire Houston Youth.
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Summer Jobs Program Application Open until March 11 |
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This summer, city departments are opening their doors to provide opportunities for you to earn while you learn about what it takes to serve the residents of the nation’s 4th largest city. Most positions are for 32 hours per week, at $10 per hour.
You must live in a City of Houston council district and be between the ages of 16 and 24 by June 13, 2022 to be eligible for the program. Find your City Council district. View the program flyer.
If you are not eligible to participate in the City of Houston’s Summer Jobs program, check out other summer employment opportunities at hirehoustonyouth.org.
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Former HFEC Interns Earn Prestigious Fellowship
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The Complete Communities staff congratulates former Houston Financial Empowerment Center interns Sarah Imran and Stella McClure, who were both named among the 2022 Leland Fellows at the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs. This fellowship removes financial barriers and supports college students pursuing congressional internships by providing a monthly stipend, roundtrip airfare and paid housing. Sarah Imran is a junior at UH and is working in the office of Congressman Al Green. Stella is a senior at UH and is working in the office of Congressman Marc Veasey. |
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Apply for Complete Communities University by Feb. 11 |
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The Complete Communities University (CCU) program was introduced in 2018 by the Planning and Development Department for Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities Initiative. The Department of Neighborhoods revamped and relaunched the program last fall as an online eight-week leadership training course for emerging and aspiring civic leaders who reside in Houston. This course is offered on a quarterly basis, with training on civic engagement methods and techniques. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from March 2 to April 20, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 11.
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Complete Communities Bids Fond Farewell to
Christa Stoneham
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The Complete Communities team wishes Christa Stoneham all the best in her new position as the president and CEO of the Houston Land Bank (HLB), a not-for-profit local government corporation that is a component unit of the City of Houston. Christa was the Division Manager in the Mayor's Office of Complete Communities (MOCC) and Mayor Turner’s designee as the HLB ex-officio, non-voting board member before being appointed by the board to her new role. Her career also includes working as a Planner and Senior Planner in the City’s Planning and Development Department and serving as the Lead Planner for the Acres Home Complete Communities resident-engagement and action-plan development process.
Congratulations on your new job, Christa! We know you'll continue to do amazing work!
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Community Meeting:
Learn How to Preserve Your Neighborhood
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The City of Houston Planning and Development Department is holding an upcoming meeting on preservation tools for neighborhoods, including Special Minimum Lot Size & Special Minimum Building Line. Attend this meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16 through Microsoft Teams to learn about the ways you can preserve the established character of your neighborhood. These free tools offered by the City of Houston can be used to:
- Preserve the existing lot size and prevent unsuitable development.
- Ensure that future buildings conform to existing building lines.
Online Meeting via Web Browser: shorturl.at/abpH4
Call-In Option: +1 936-755-1521
Conference ID: 486644568#
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La división de Planificación Comunitaria y Regional del Departamento de Planificación y Desarrollo de la Ciudad de Houston llevará a cabo una reunión para las designaciones de Tamaño de Lote Mínimo Especial y Línea de Construcción Mínima Especial. Asista
a esta reunión a las 6:30 p.m., Miércoles, 2 de Marzo para conocer las formas en que puede preservar el carácter establecido de su vecindario. Estas herramientas gratuitas que ofrece la ciudad de Houston se pueden utilizar para:
- Preservar el tamaño del lote existente y evitar el desarrollo incompatible.
- Asegúrese de que los futuros edificios se ajusten a las líneas de construcción existentes.
Reunión en línea a través de la web: shorturl.at/yAB25
Opción de llamada: +1 936-755-1521
ID de la conferencia: 990151280#
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Let’s Plant for Our Future! |
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Did you know the City of Houston has a tree planting program? Led by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), the NeighborWoods tree planting program works with neighborhoods in need of additional tree canopy. The program coordinates with local civic associations to plant trees in qualifying neighborhoods. This an opportunity for civic associations to register members/property owners as “Neighborhood Adopters” for new trees. The program can help with a neighborhood tree planting event known as an Adoption Day.
How many trees can each resident adopt?
There is a maximum of two 5-gallon trees per address where space is available.
What type of tree(s) can be adopted?
Trees species will be determined by Urban Forestry staff in accordance with the street-tree inventory.
What size of tree can be adopted?
All trees provided will be 5-gallon.
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Will the tree(s) be delivered to each residents home?
Yes. HPARD would like to organize an Adoption Day to have all adopters plant on the same day.
What is required from the adopter?
Each adopter must agree to plant, mulch, stake, and water the tree(s) for two years. Only the tree(s) are provided by the city.
What is required from the civic association?
Get out there and recruit your neighbors!
832-395-8463.
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Do Your Part to Protect Our Pipes |
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Roughly 70% of sanitary sewer overflows in Houston are caused by clogs from fats, oils and grease poured down the drain and wipes flushed down toilets.
Dispose of leftover grease with these easy steps: pour it in a jar, can or bag, cool it, and toss it in the trash.
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Also, only flush the three P’s – pee,
poo, and (toilet) paper. Everything
else should go in the trash.
Together, we can all prevent clogs
and harmful overflows!
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Get your first COVID-19 vaccine dose or booster at any Houston Health Department site from Feb. 12
to March 1 to be entered into weekly drawings for
a $1000 gift card. For more information visit the
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Students Gain Hands-On Experience
with Healthy Nutrition
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For the last several years, Alief ISD students have been hard at work planting, weeding and harvesting fruits and vegetables in the Youngblood plots of the Alief Community Garden, a 6.5-acre garden across from the Youngblood Intermediate School.
Students have worked on math and science skills in the garden as well as problem solving, research, and scale modeling. The garden, which includes two plots for the school and about 80 plots that are rented out to community members, also helps to address the problem of food deserts — urban areas where it’s difficult to purchase high-quality, affordable, nutritious fresh food.
Since the garden was founded, students—many of whom are apartment dwellers that otherwise wouldn’t have access to a garden—have grown beets, lettuce, spinach, radicchio, tomatoes, peanuts, carrots, herbs, fennel, squash, okra, tomatillos and corn. The garden is fully organic with no chemicals used. Students typically work in the garden for 30 minutes, two or three times a week during their school wellness time.
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Burnett Bayland Park Clean-up |
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Join the Mothers of the Park Beautification Group for a 2park clean-up and butterfly garden maintenance. The group will meet at 9 a.m. on Saturdays, Feb. 12 and March 12 at Burnett Bayland Park, 6000 Chimney Rock Road, Houston, TX 77081. For more information,
please call 832-279-3632.
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Get Fresh Quality Produce, Meat, and More at the
Northeast Community Farmer’s Market!
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Fresh produce and other food items are available for sale at the Northeast Community Farmers Market every third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon at the LBJ Community Farm, located at 5425 Troost Street. Due to the farm’s COVID safety protocol, they ask that social distancing be observed and that you remain in your vehicle as you shop at the market.
Take advantage of the Double Up Houston program. Use your Lonestar/EBT Card and they will double your SNAP dollars, $1 for $1 on fruits and vegetables, up to $40 a day. Spend $1 SNAP/EBT, get $1 of fresh produce for free.
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Download HTX Collects App for Trash, Recycling Info |
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If you are experiencing delays with your recycling, junk waste and regular trash pick-up, download the Solid Waste Management mobile app, HTX Collects. The app provides collection schedules, service alerts, and disposal instructions.
to download the app.
Visit Solid Waste Management on social media:
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Make Your Voice Heard on Environmental Issues |
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Have you been impacted by a severe weather event or pollution in your area? Voice your concerns to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Public Utility Commission (PUC) by participating in our survey. We want everyone's input, so please use the link below to complete the survey.
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We're Creating a Super Neighborhood Council |
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The Magnolia Park, Smith Addition and Manchester civic clubs are establishing a Super Neighborhood Council. They are in the process of organizing a Community Workshop event at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26 (location - TBA).
To get more information about this event and the new Super Neighborhood Council, contact Abraham Zorrilla at 832-393-6634 or Abraham.Zorrilla@houstontx.gov
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Affordable Housing Development Proposals
Due by Feb. 21
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In October of last year, the City of Houston purchased a site adjacent to the Burnett Transit Center at the Hardy Yards location for the development of affordable single-family homes. The following month, the Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to gather proposals from developers to build over 200 owner-occupied homes at the site.
The NOFA includes a significant portion of a scoring system based on the feedback collected from Near Northside residents last summer. The developers’ responses will include the community’s requested amenities, commercial or retail spaces, green space design, and the importance of preserving the character of Near Northside. The application deadline is Monday, Feb. 21 and documents can be viewed on HCDD’s solicitation page. |
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HCDD plans to hold another community meeting in June to share details of the selected proposal and a timeline for home construction and sales. For more information please visit the New Homes for the Near Northside page. |
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Wesley Food Pantry and Early Childhood Education Program |
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Wesley’s Early Head Start and Pre-K Program employs certified teachers who are trained to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children in their care. The program runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and serves families with children within the age range of 6 weeks to 5 years. For more information contact the community center at 832-856-6784 or visit the website at wesleyhousehouston.org/.
The Food Pantry hours at Wesley Community Center, 1235 Lorraine Street,
have been updated to:
- Wednesdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to noon for drivers
- Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon for walkers only
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Upcoming Complete Communities
Meeting for Sunnyside
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Join us for the next Sunnyside Complete Communities Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17 on Microsoft Teams to hear updates on Action Plan projects
in Sunnyside.
Online Meeting via Web Browser: https://bit.ly/32OhIAX
Call-In Option: +1 936-755-1521 Conference ID: 262 844 724#
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We Need Your Help with the Proposed
Blueridge Historic Designation
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Do you know about the history of Blueridge and the surrounding area? The City of Houston is working to learn more about the historic development of this area and the people who have lived here. Please help by sharing your stories, photos, articles, maps and any information you may have on the area, its residents, culture, and architecture. This information is needed in order to establish eligibility for a historic designation for the area with the Texas Historical Commission and Government Land Office. With historic designation, more Harvey repair funds will be unlocked to restore homes instead of demolishing and building new. Please call or email us with any information you may have: historicpreservation@houstontx.gov or (832) 393-6556.
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Business Boot Camp: Make Your Website Work for You |
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The Emancipation Park Conservancy Tech Pivot Series seeks to empower the Third Ward community and beyond by providing technology education sessions to help small businesses learn fundamentals that will help propel their business forward. Tech Pivot Small Business Bootcamp will host "Make Better Decisions Using Google Analytics" on Tuesday, Feb. 15 and "Make Your Website Work For You" on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Register for the sessions.
The Emancipation Park Conservancy Tech Pivot Series is made possible through our sponsor Comcast NBCUniversal and community partner Emancipation Economic Development Council.
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Complete Communities is a collaborative effort involving the community and all City of Houston Departments and Divisions with City leadership from:
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Sign up to receive updates on activities taking place in your Complete Communities neighborhood.
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