Kick-off the holiday season this Saturday night with the lighting of the official holiday tree and live music at City Hall's Hermann Square. Santa Claus will be available for free photos with children in The Gingerbread Village, along with seasonal food and beverages for purchase. There will also be a Toys for Tots drop-off for anyone wishing to donate a new, unwrapped toy for Houston Children’s Charity’s 2-day Annual Toy Distribution. More info here.

When: Thursday, December 4th, Showtime at 6 PM

Where: City Hall's Hermann Square, 901 Bagby St.

All Doses at All Sites! Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available at more than two dozen Houston Health Department-affiliated sites this week. Find a nearby free vaccination site or testing site here, or by calling 832-393-4220.

The Houston Health Department follows Federal COVID-19 guidance and is prepared to adjust recommended guidelines if needed for new variants.

The City is seeking the submission of qualifications from artists to be considered to create a suite of permanent outdoor murals at the entrance of the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center. The City’s Civic Art Program has reserved a budget of $100,000 for the artist or artist team selected for the commission. The deadline for submission of qualifications is Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, at 11:59 PM.

View the full request for qualifications and submit your application here.

Join Council Member Cisneros for the next Childhood & Youth Committee meeting on December 8th at 2:00 PM to hear updates regarding childcare. The meeting will be streamed on HTV and Microsoft Teams or can be watched in person at the Council Chambers.

Mr. Steven Dow, Early Childhood Education Advisor, Mayor's Office of Education, will brief the C&Y Committee on the progress of the Childcare Working Group, whose top priority is to increase the number of childcare spots available in low-income areas with high numbers of kids.

Ms. Olivera Jankovska, Director of the Mayor's Office of Education, will provide updates on ARPA, some new childcare opportunities coming to the City, and information about COVID vaccination for children.

Through December 4th, families in need can register to receive a Holiday Food Box from the Houston Food Bank. You can make your request online or you can call the phone bank. Registration info here.

If you'd like to make a donation to the Houston Food Bank, learn how you can help here.

You can help by either stopping by the Latino Learning Center at 3522 Polk St and picking up a donation box to fill with toys for children of all ages, or by making a donation to the Pancho Claus GoFundMe page.

When: Friday, December 3rd, 4 PM - 6 PM

Where: 1101 Quitman St

When: Saturday, December 4th, 2 PM - 5 PM

Where: 3405 Turner Dr

When: Saturday, December 11th, 6 PM - 9 PM

Where: Woodland Heights, Byrne St & Euclid St

When: Saturday, December 4th, 10 AM - 1 PM

Where: 3517 Irvington Blvd

Share a meal while enjoying the night under the oaks of Finca Tres Robles! Please register and bring a main dish, side or dessert to share with the group. Register here.

When: Thursday, December 9th, 6 PM - 9 PM

Where: Finca Tres Robles 257 North Greenwood St

Pathways provide qualified students with practical work experience that complements their academic course work, as well as course credit (if approved by the college or university). Federal Work-Study students are also welcome to apply. Pathways expose students to a variety of careers in municipal government. Learn how to apply here.

Texas Southern University is hosting a FREE 12-week classroom and hands-on type training by instructors and trainers that are experts in their field.

Please visit here for more details & requisites

Was your home affected by Hurricane Harvey? The Home Assistance Program (HAP) has extended its deadline to December 31, 2021 5:00 PM.

The City of Houston and the Texas General Land Office (GLO) continue to work together to help homeowners who need assistance with repair, reconstruction, and reimbursement for homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey. For more information, click here.

In an effort to keep families together during the Holidays, BARC will be hosting a FREE pet pantry for households in need. Free dog beds and food for both dogs and cats will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. This is a drive-thru Pet Pantry, so please remain in your vehicle when participating.

When: Sunday, December 12th, 8 AM - 10 AM

Where: BARC Adoption Center, 3300 Carr St.

You're invited to the Holiday Party hosted by the Central Patrol Division. it will be an evening of music, delicious food, and fun surprises! More info here.

When: Friday, December 7th, 7 PM

Where: 1602 State St Houston, TX 77007

The Houston Police Department is now hiring qualified police officer candidates for the upcoming academy classes. No prior law enforcement experience is required. Upon employment, you will attend the 6 month paid police academy and obtain your peace officer’s license.

Learn more here.

Training Opportunities for Small Business: Are you ready to build your capacity? Learn more about the Bonding & Business Capacity Building Program presented by the City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity here.

Wesley Community Center: Job training opportunities here.

Hire Houston Youth: Over 800 jobs are still available! Applicants must be between 16-24 years old and reside in Houston City limits. Learn more here.

Free Job Training for Many Careers provided by SERJobs. More info 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!