District K Wins 2022 State Award - Project of the Year-District Gateways Improvement

We are winners! Our District Gateways Improvement project was awarded the Public Works Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association of Texas. Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum along with TIRZ 25 board members and Huitt-Zollers team accepted the award at the Mammoth Public Works Conference in Waco, Texas.

Thank you Hiram Clarke/ Fort Bend RDA; TIRZ 25, Huitt-Zollars, DG Medina Construction, UP Art Studio, 5 Corners District, and TIRZ 9 for enhancing the aesthetic appeal in our community while also improving accessibility and mobility at five major intersections along US 9OA/ South Main. We are enjoying fostering a sense of pride and celebrating our community with the programmable lighting. Let's continue working together to ensure we live in a city and community we can all be proud of.

#DistrictK

Dylan Campbell Day in The City of Houston

Dylan Campbell Day in the City of Houston! I was honored to present this proclamation along with Mayor Turner to this incredible District K, student athlete. Dylan has accomplished so much already and we wish him continued success. On July 10, 2023, The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Campbell in the MLB 2023 Draft. We are rooting for him as he continues his baseball career at the next level. #DistrictK #UTBaseball

Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum Joins Mayor Turner and City Council Colleagues to Rename the Southwest Command Police Station

On Wednesday, July 12th, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum joined Mayor Turner and City Council colleagues in voting to rename the Southwest Command Patrol Station, located at 13097 Nitida Street in District K, as the Harold L. Preston Southwest Police Station.

Sergeant Preston served the City of Houston and the Houston Police Department (HPD) for 41 years. He was weeks away from retirement at the time of his tragic passing, while responding to a domestic disturbance case in 2020. What a fitting gesture to honor his stellar career and incredible legacy!

One Complete Houston

Equity Indicator Study

Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with community and business leaders gathered at the Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center Tuesday, July 11, 2023, to unveil the results of Houston's inaugural equity indicator study. This study, conducted by Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research and funded by Shell USA Incorporated, revealed that Houston's overall equity score is 44.1 out of 100, indicating a significant need for improvement. Our District K Hire Houston Youth Interns had the privilege of attending the event on behalf of Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum and gained valuable insights into the City's equality indicators.

The findings from this study highlighted the areas where the City of Houston can improve and progress toward becoming more equitable. Those areas include adjusting city policies and procedures; business strategies; corporate environment; social and governance initiatives; philanthropic investments models; nonprofit missions; and other efforts that can limit Houstonians' opportunities and life circumstances.

To ready the equity indicator study: One Complete Houston

New Sidewalks in Windsor Village

Residents in Windsor Village should expect construction to begin starting Monday, July 17, 2023, on their sidewalks. The sidewalk replacement project at 5691 to 5635 Oakham Street is expected to be completed August 2023.

We are looking forward to these improvements!

Street Improvements in Brays Oaks

Residents in Fondren SW Southwood and Fondren SW Northbrook will soon have improved streets along West Bellfort Avenue from Fondren Road to Bob White Drive. The concrete panels will be replaced beginning July 27, 2023, and the work is anticipated to be completed September 2023.

We are looking forward to a smoother ride along West Bellfort Avenue!

More Access to the Sims Bayou Greenway

District K residents now have more access to the Sims Bayou Greenway! The Houston Park Board has recently completed the construction of a 3.6-mile segment of the Sims Bayou Greenway. This segment marks the longest Bayou Greenway that the Houston Park Board has built so far running between Buffalo Speedway and Scott Street.

This new greenway segment boasts several noteworthy features, including neighborhood trails that provide connections to residential areas and commercial developments and improvements:

• At Fairland Drive, Brisbane Street, Kirby Drive, West Orem Drive, Buffalo Speedway
• Trail connections into Margaret Jenkins Park, Houston Sports Park, and Townwood Park
• Improvements to Margaret Jenkins Park, including a landscaped connection into the park's walking trail and a new hike-and-bike pedestrian bridge connecting the park with the Sugar Hill Neighborhood, just west of the park
• Improvements to Townwood Park, including landscaped connections from the parking lot and the park's walking trails to the Sims Bayou Greenway, seating, planting, and signage
• Implementation of Houston Parks Board’s Conservation and Maintenance Program, which includes weekly trash pickup, bi-weekly mowing of grass along the greenway, upkeep of the trail and amenities, and any necessary flood cleanup

For more information on this greenway project visit: Sims Bayou Greenway

Extreme Heat Wave Continues in Houston

In response to the extreme heat in Houston, the City has taken measures to provide relief for residents without air-conditioning. Most of Houston's public libraries will be open on Saturdays, allowing people to seek refuge from the heat. Additionally, the YMCA of Greater Houston will serve as a cooling center. The libraries will maintain their regular Saturday operating hours, except for the Central Library downtown, which will be unavailable for use as a cooling center.

To address the heat emergency, the city activated its public health heat emergency plan on June 14. This plan is put into action when a heat advisory or excessive heat warning is expected to last for two or more consecutive days. It aims to ensure the well-being of individuals who may lack adequate transportation to the designated cooling centers in Houston.

If you find yourself in need of transportation to a city cooling center during the heat emergency, you can request a free ride by calling 311. However, please note that this transportation service is only available to and from the city's cooling centers.

Avoid heat-related illnesses by taking precautions:

• Increase water consumption
• Do outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Do not leave infants, children, seniors, or pets unattended or in parked vehicles
• Wear skin and head protection, like a wide-brimmed hat
• Go to air-conditioned facilities like a City cooling center, a mall, movie theater, or a relative's home
• Take cool baths or showers frequently

For more information visit: City of Houston Reactivates Heat Emergency Plan

Willow Waterhole Greenway

Announcing the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy Annual Meeting, July 27, 2023 at 7:00 PM.

Learn what has been accomplished and what is planned for the Greenway. Great things are ahead for this wonderful district k asset. The meeting will be held via Zoom.

You must register to receive the Zoom link; please email [email protected].

BARC - Empty the Shelters

BARC is thrilled to announce its collaboration with the BISSELL Pet Foundation and a national welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness. Together, they are teaming up with MetLife Pet Insurance for the upcoming National Adoption event, Empty the Shelters. Adoption fees will be waived from July 6 - July 31, 2023. This special campaign, organized by the BISSELL Pet Foundation, aims to find loving homes for pets in need and will take place at over 335 shelters across 44 states, including BARC Houston.

In addition to waiving adoption fees for all cats and dogs, BARC will extend its shelter hours by opening on Mondays throughout the campaign. Interested individuals can visit BARC at 3300 Carr St. from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM to take advantage of this opportunity.

Summer Pro Basketball Camp

Calling all youth basketball players! Attend District K's own Jarred Vanderbilt, of the Los Angeles Lakers, Pro Basketball Camp Friday, July 21, 2023! The Free camp will be held at The Zone, 10371 Stella Link Rd., Houston, TX 77025.

Boys and Girls in grades 1st through 8th grades can register now on the foundation website: Jarred Vanderbilt Foundation. Don't miss a great opportunity to play and learn from the best.

Join Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and Council Member Pollard at the India House

Give Blood to Help Save a Life

The Association of Jamaican Nurses of Greater Houston in partnership with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is hosting a Blood Drive Saturday, July 22, 2023, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Donors will receive a $10 eGift Card.

Help save a life and give blood.

Back to School Events in District K and Surrounding Areas

Grissom Elementary Back to School Bash

Mark your calendars and join us for the Grissom Elementary Back to School Enrollment Bash Saturday, July 29, 2023, 10 AM to 2 PM, at 4900 Simsbrook, Houston, Texas, 77045. We encourage the community to come out and show their support by contributing your time, talents, or donations. Your involvement will greatly benefit the scholars and contribute to the success of this event.

Together, let's make a positive impact on the lives of our scholars and strengthen our community!

Almeda Plaza - Rock the Block Community Affair

Houston Area Urban League

Community Family Day

Join us at the George R Brown Convention Center for an exciting Back-to-School Family Day Expo on July 29, 2023! It's a day filled with opportunities for families to prepare for the upcoming school year while enjoying a range of engaging activities.

Get ready to kick off the school year in style as they are giving away free backpacks filled with essential school supplies! Your kids will be thrilled to receive everything they need to start their academic journey on the right foot.

But that's not all - we care about your family's well-being too! Take advantage of our healthcare screenings to ensure your children are in the best shape possible before heading back to school. We'll provide valuable information and support to keep your loved ones healthy and thriving.

Dreaming of higher education for your children? Our College Fair is the perfect opportunity to explore different educational institutions, meet with representatives, and gather valuable information about scholarships, programs, and admissions. Your child's future starts here!

Don't miss the chance to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses at our Marketplace. Discover unique products, services, and crafts while contributing to the empowerment of the local community. It's a marketplace filled with vibrancy and culture that you won't want to miss.

Mark your calendars for July 29, 2023 and join us at the George R. Brown Convention Center for an unforgettable Back-to-School Family Day Expo. Together, we'll ensure that your family is ready to embrace the new school year with confidence and excitement. See you there!

Harris County Back to School/Birth Certificate Event

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Bee Busy Wellness Medicaid Resource

Bee Busy Nonprofit FCQH (Federally Qualified Health Center) is a healthcare organization located on the south side of Houston. They are dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services, including primary care, without discrimination based on an individual's ability to pay. 

Bee Busy Nonprofit FCQH offers a comprehensive range of services to promote the overall well-being of the community they serve. Some of the services they provide include:

They offer general medical services, such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, preventive care, and management of chronic conditions.

Medical Home: Bee Busy Nonprofit FCQH strives to provide a medical home for their patients, which means they aim to coordinate and integrate all aspects of healthcare to ensure comprehensive and continuous care. They provide testing, and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They aim to raise awareness and promote prevention in the community.

They assist individuals in accessing health insurance options and provide guidance in navigating the enrollment process. Therapy and Emotional Wellness: Bee Busy Nonprofit FCQH recognizes the importance of mental health and offers therapy and counseling services to support emotional well-being. Recognizing the impact of social determinants of health, Bee Busy Nonprofit FCQH may assist individuals in accessing housing and food services to address their basic needs.

Bee Busy Nonprofit FCQH also offers additional services based on the specific needs of the community they serve.