Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Mayor's Complete Community News - Grants, Online Workshops, Gardening Classes, Youth Environmental Justice

 

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October 2021 Newsletter

Join Your Neighbors for National Night Out
On Tuesday, October 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., thousands of people throughout the city will step out of their homes to meet their neighbors and renew their commitment to public safety for National Night Out.

"As Mayor of this city, I encourage each of you to participate in National Night Out. As you meet your neighbors, you will build a friendship and a connection that can lead to unifying neighborhoods, streets, subdivisions, and communities against crime. Together with law enforcement, your neighbors can become your allies against crime, and together we will improve the quality of life in our city."
For more information and planning ideas, please contact Officer J. Robles of the Houston Police Department’s Office of Community Affairs at
832-584-4671.
MD Anderson Launches Community-led
Be Well™ Acres Homes initiative 
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in collaboration with community members and 30 other organizations, united to launch Be Well™ Acres Homes in September.
Be Well Acres Homes aims to mobilize the community to promote health and wellness. Building on a roadmap for community investment developed by the community residents themselves—through the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities—Be Well Acres Homes and affiliated groups will implement evidence-based interventions focused on active living and healthy eating. A steering committee will guide these projects to ensure resident feedback and long-term sustainability are built into all aspects of the work.

Be Well Acres Homes' initial activities include:
  • expanding exercise and healthy eating programs for all ages
  • building community and school-based gardens
  • increasing access to fresh, healthy food
  • improving parks, trails and places for physical activity
The Be Well Acres Homes action plan was developed with and for the community, in alignment with the Houston Complete Communities initiative.
“The vitality of our city and the health of our community are everyone’s responsibilities, especially in neighborhoods where opportunity is not equal. MD Anderson’s demonstrated commitment to lead in a highly collaborative, community-minded way is a model for our city. We are thrilled for this social impact initiative with MD Anderson and look forward to advancing this effort in Acres Homes.”
- Mayor Sylvester Turner
Mayor: City of Houston is Safer Four Years after Harvey
Mayor Turner Reflects On 4th Anniversary Of Hurricane Harvey
We recently marked the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Harvey. Mayor Turner gave an update on completion of Harvey-related recovery projects. Read the breakdown of projects and watch the video.
Local Community Engagement Captures State-wide Interest
Designing for Impact, the local collaborative event held last spring, has garnered attention from the Texas Society of Architects. Two City of Houston employees, Mayor's Office of Complete Communities Division Manager Christa Stoneham and Planner III Lindsey Williams, have been invited to present, "A Case Study on Community-Engaged Design," at the society's annual conference in October.
 
Through a joint effort of the City of Houston and the National Organization of Minority Architects - Houston and the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects, designers, architects, students, community stakeholders, and citizens worked together to generate project ideas for historically underserved neighborhoods. Working closely with residents through a community-engaged design process, volunteer teams generated executable visions for these communities. Both participants and observers were able to see first-hand how designing for these underserved communities, with a community engaged design process, helps to build a more resilient fabric and sustainable community legacy. The engagement process helps identify ways to invest in the development of these communities and their current residents without promoting complete gentrification. We're very proud of Christa and Lindsey for all their hard work in developing this case study.
Improve Your Financial Security, Manage Student Loans
The Biden Administration has extended the federal student loan moratorium to January 31, 2022. During this moratorium, federal student loans will remain interest-free and there will be no penalties for nonpayment.

Get connected with an HFEC financial counselor today to find out how they can help you manage student loans and improve your financial securityMake a FREE appointment.
Neighborhood Matching Grants Support Improvement and Beautification Projects
The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) and the Houston City Council offices have opened the 2022 Neighborhood Matching Grant program. This funding opportunity provides dollar-for-dollar matching grant reimbursements ranging from $500-$5,000 for projects that are accessible and beneficial to the community. The deadline to submit is Friday, Nov. 5.
 
Proposed projects must create physical improvement to the neighborhoods, involve neighborhood residents, have long standing benefits, and be accessible to the public. Grant funds cannot be used for lobbying or participating in political campaigns or elections, projects that have already been completed, on-going operations, or maintenance such as upkeep of landscaping or a community garden.
 
For the program guidelines and application form, go to www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods
 A Month of Service Continues Free Online Workshops
Join the Department of Neighborhoods for a monthly series of free online workshops conducted by volunteer lawyers and experts.
 
Workshop topics include: Eviction Rights, Inheriting Property, Clearing Title and Probate Concerns, Holographic Wills, Foreclosure Prevention, For Sale by Owner, Immigration Concerns, and First Time Homebuyers.
 
To register, visit the Neighborhood Recovery websiteRegistrants without an internet connection can participate in the workshops by phone.  
Houston Health Department Provides Incentives
for COVID-19 Vaccinations
There’s no better time to receive a COVID-19 vaccination! Starting on August 26, the Houston Health Department will provide up to $100 gift card for residents that receive the first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. First dose gift cards are running out.
 
Residents will also receive a $50 gift card for the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. To qualify for the second dose incentive, people must have received their first dose on or after August 2 and receive both vaccine doses within 42 days.
 
All vaccines must be received at eligible Houston Health Department sites. Residents who receive their first dose at PlazAmericas or Tidwell Park must get their second dose at the same site
within 42 days to receive the second dose incentive. These two sites will not provide second dose incentives for people who received their first dose at other sites.

Walk-ins are welcome. Call 832-393-4220 to schedule an appointment.
Acres Home
Acres Home Gardening with Planting Classes
at the Acres Homes Farmers Market
Learn how to get your garden started in time for fall planting with classes with the founder of Ivy Leaf Farms, Ivy Walls.
 
No matter if you are new to gardening or consider yourself a pro, there will be helpful information for all. Shop for fresh produce and locally sourced goods at the Acres Homes Farmers Market while you wait for classes to start.
 
Gardening classes are available at two time slots: 10 a.m. or 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct.16. These classes will be located at the Bethune Empowerment Center at 2500 S. Victory Dr. Basic start up materials will be provided. Space is limited, so register now.
Near Northwest Management District Hosts
National Night Out 2021 
Bring your family and friends to National Night Out in Acres Home at 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5 at White Oak Bayou Village located at 6640 Antoine Drive.
 
This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy rock climbing, a petting zoo, food sampling, door prizes, and other activities. Contact rrosales@nnmd.org or visit our events page for additional details.

Reserve a booth to promote services and products. Organizations are asked to bring a canopy, a table, and host a game or activity. Contact grownear1@nnmd.org or call 713.895.8021 for more information.
Join the StepHEALTHY Walking Club in Acres Home
Memorial Hermann (MH) Acres Home StepHEALTHY Walking Club meets regularly for outdoor, socially distanced walks guided by the MH Walking Team and Felicia Light, Community Walking Leader (masks are required).

Location: Highland/Desoto Park
3316 De Soto St., Houston, TX
Register on-site at the Basketball Court

Days: Monday-Friday

Time: 7 a.m.– 8 a.m. or 8 a.m.– 9 a.m.
(Arrive at any time during the walk hours, every step counts)
Youth Conference Spotlights Environmental Justice
Students are invited to join elected officials, community leaders, professors, and scientific experts in candid discussions about food deserts, water contamination, flooding, air pollution and community upkeep.
 
The District F Youth Conference will emphasize the importance of environmental justice by providing resources and tangible actionable items.
 
Attend the pre-conference session at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15

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