District J Patrol Unveiled
One of Council Member Edward Pollard’s campaign promises was to address public safety concerns expressed by District J residents. CM Pollard made good on that promise in September by unveiling the new District J Patrol initiative. This program is a three-pronged approach that bridges the gap between the law enforcement officers in District J and the communities they serve. This new public safety initiative includes community patrolling by Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of two new Polaris vehicles and the District J Patrol Committee. Check out the video below for highlights from the unveiling.
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Learn New Skills to Start a New Career |
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Applications are now available for the Home Builders Institute (HBI) in the Gulfton area. The program trains and prepares students for apprenticeships and entry-level careers in a variety of skilled trades including masonry, carpentry, electrical wiring, construction, landscaping, plumbing, painting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Participants can also get training related to career counseling, job placement, job readiness, on-the-job training and life skills.
"This is a huge opportunity for residents in the Gulfton area and District J. There is a tremendous need for more skilled workers throughout Houston, and this program gives more people an opportunity to change their lives by learning skills that could lead to a new career," said Council Member Pollard.
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Stop the Spread of COVID. We are Better. Together. |
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We’ve been dealing with COVID-19 in our communities for about seven months now, and while we’d hoped the virus would have been eradicated by now, the reality is, we’re still in the fight, and it’s going to take every one of us to conquer it. We encourage you to continue wearing masks or face coverings in public, practice social distancing, wash your hands and get tested. Visit HoustonEmergency.org for more information on how and where to get tested. Below are some of the locations where testing is available. The SW Multi-Service Center is located within the district. |
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Butler Stadium, 13755 S Main St.:
Drive-thru | 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. | No appointment required.
Delmar Stadium, 2020 Mangum Rd.:
Drive-thru | 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Call 832-393-4220 for an access code.
LeRoy Crump Stadium, 12321 High Star Dr,:
Kashmere Multi-Service Center, 4802 Lockwood Dr.:
Walk-up or Drive-thru | 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. | No appointment required.
Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 9314 Cullen Blvd:
Multicultural Center, 951 Tristar Dr, Webster:
Drive- thru | 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Call 832-393-4220 for an access code.
Northeast Multi-Service Center, 9720 Spaulding St:
Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star Dr.:
Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 6921 Chetwood Dr:
Drive-thru | 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. | No appointment required.
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In-Home COVID Tests for Seniors, Disabled |
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Did you know members of some of our most vulnerable populations can get COVID tests right at home? The Area Agency on Aging has information about how homebound residents who are aged 60 or higher, disabled or a veteran can get tested in the comfort of their homes. For more information, call 1-800-213-8471 or visit Houstontx.gov/health/aging.
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Council Member Edward Pollard wanted to show his appreciation to a few of the City of Houston workers for all they do to help keep District J and the city up and running. The council member surprised 10 city employees from the Public Works and Solid Waste departments who live in District J with a free suit, shirt and tie as a way of saying “thank you.” Public Works employees are responsible for fixing our streets and sidewalks and making sure we have a solid infrastructure. Solid Waste employees keep our areas clean by picking up trash and addressing all our sanitation needs. We want to send a special thanks to Erik’s Tailor in District J and Husein Hadi of the Hadi Law Firm for sponsoring this effort. |
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CASE for Kids Computer Lab Opens |
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In an effort to bridge the digital divide among students in District J, Council Member Pollard was on hand to help open a computer lab at Parkway and Parkgreen Apartments as part of the Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids program. The event allowed local residents to try out the computers and receive free groceries, school supplies, PPE and health screenings. We want to give a special thanks to AT&T, CASE for Kids, Indus Management, the U.S. Census Bureau, Community Health Choice and the YMCA. |
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Voter Registration Drive Encourages Participation in the Election Process |
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Council Member Pollard participated in the voter registration drive hosted by The Edge
Radio and Harambee Art Gallery. As a reminder, October 5th is the deadline for Texans to register to vote in time for the upcoming presidential election in November. The last day to apply to vote by mail is October 23rd. Early voting starts on October 13 and goes through October 30. Election Day is November 3rd. For more election information, visit www.HarrisVotes.com.
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Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a rise in the amount of littering around the city. Mayor Sylvester Turner recently launched an anti-littering campaign, aimed at keeping Houston beautiful. The mayor is encouraging residents to properly dispose of their PPE, including face masks, gloves, sanitizer wipes and other trash, as well as avoid illegal dumping. Not only do improperly discarded items deteriorate the appeal of our district, but they also can contribute to flooding by clogging drains and inlets. Illegal trash and dumping also costs the city thousands of dollars to clean each year. Let’s all do our part to keep Houston beautiful. |
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Grand Opening of Vishla Grocery Store |
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Congratulations to the team at Vishla Grocery Store on opening a location in District J off Hillcroft and Harwin in the Ghandi District. This new store offers a variety of products from the Indian community, which continues the trend of diversity in the district and in the city of Houston. |
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Census Caravan in Gulfton |
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Council Member Pollard's office hosted a caravan to encourage residents to complete the 2020 census. CM Pollard, his wife, son and daughter were in the lead car, with others following them. Several cars driven by community leaders and a HFD fire truck brought up the rear. |
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Meeting the Needs of the Community |
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We're working to make this time a little less taxing on residents in District J. CM Pollard, along with a host of other volunteers, handed out food, PPE, school supplies, clothing, health screenings and more. Over 1,000 families were served. |
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Council Member Pollard Discusses MWBE Vendors |
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Council Member Pollard engaged in meaningful dialog with fellow council members around minority- and women-owned small business vendors with the city. The council member advocated for policy reform to ensure better experiences between the City and vendors. |
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New Speed Bumps on Winsome |
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A few of our Public Works employees constructed speed bumps in District J. These latest speed bumps are located at 5824 Winsome and will encourage motorists riding through the area to be more cognizant of their speed |
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Feeding Pet Families in Need |
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Our four-legged family members are in need of help too as we all continue to fight against COVID-19. Council Member Pollard helped distribute 2,500 pounds of pet food to families in need. Thanks to the Houston Humane Society Pet Pantry, GreaterGood.org and Rescue Bank for sponsoring this event. District J residents who need pet food assistance can learn more about the Pet Pantry program at www.HoustonHumane.org. Income restrictions may apply. |
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Council Member Edward Pollard
City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, First Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 393-3015
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