Wills - Legal Clinics - Complete Communities News -- Leadership Training, Grants

 

CitizensNet Newsletter: NEIGHBORHOODS | 08-03-2023

SERVING NEIGHBORHOODS BULLETIN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Complete Communities University Spring 2023 – Call for Applications
• Mayor’s Youth Council 2023-2024 – Call for Applications
• Neighborhoods Matching Grants – Call for Applications
• A Month of Service – Workshops, Will Clinics, Legal Assistance, Community Conversations
• Citizenship Forums – Assistance with Citizenship Applications
• Help Fight Bandit Sign Blight – Volunteers Needed
• Neighborhood Updates -- Messages about City Services|
• Stay Safe from Summer Heat
• Be Prepared for a Hurricane
• Fun Educational Offerings at Houston Libraries

 COMPLETE COMMUNITIES UNIVERSITY
FALL 2023 LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Call for Applications
Deadline – August 18, 2023

Emerging civic leaders are invited to apply for Complete Communities University leadership training. The fall 2023 course runs Sep. 20 to Nov. 8. Classes are on Wednesdays, 6-8:30 p.m., online and in person. The application deadline is Aug. 18, 2023. For more information and to apply, go to www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods/ccu.html.

MAYOR'S YOUTH COUNCIL 2023-2024



Call for Applications
Deadline – August 18, 2023

Houston high school student in grades 9-12 are invited to apply for membership in the 2023-24 Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC). The term of office runs September 2023 to July 2024. Modeled after the elected City Council, the MYC provides youth the opportunity to learn about city government, share issues of concern to youth with city officials, and gain civic leadership skills through community service activities. Applicants must be residents of the City of Houston. The application deadline is August 18, 2023.

To apply, go to https://forms.gle/s5ChDV51mWh37Jkp7. For more information, go to https://www.houstontx.gov/myc/index.html or call 832-393-0970. 

NEIGHBORHOOD MATCHING GRANTS
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Intent to Apply Deadline
August 31, 2023

Application Deadline
November 1, 2023

The Neighborhood Matching Grant Program offers dollar-for-dollar matching grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 in support of neighborhood beautification and improvement projects. The program is administered as a partnership between the Department of Neighborhoods and City Council member’s offices. Eligible organizations and civic clubs are invited to apply.

Eligible Organizations

• Neighborhood-based organizations and/or civic clubs incorporated as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organization through the State of Texas

• Neighborhood-based organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) certification but partner with an organization with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status as co-applicants

Application Process

The application process requires two steps:

Informational Video & Intent to Apply Form – Deadline August 31, 2023
Watch an informational video online and submit the completed Intent to Apply form indicating this requirement has been met. The form requires the signature of the City Council member for the district in which the proposed project will take place.

Submit completed application packet -- Deadline:  November 1, 2023
For all eligibility requirements and application guidelines, go to Matching Grant Program (houstontx.gov).

A MONTH OF SERVICE

Workshops, Will Clinics, Legal Assistance
& Community Conversations

A Month of Service (AMOS) is a year-round program that offers workshops on legal topics, preparation of wills, civil legal assistance, and Coffee & Conversation forums. The services are provided free or at low cost to eligible residents. AMOS is sponsored by the Department of Neighborhoods in partnership with NRCDC Houston, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, Harris County Appraisal District, Harris Tax Office, TSU Earl Campbell Institute for Legal & Social Policy, Lone Star Legal Aid, and Houston Bar Association.

Workshops on Legal Topics – Know your rights!
The workshops focus on topics such as evictions, inherited property, estate planning, HOA foreclosures, and first-time homebuyers, and voter laws. Most workshops are repeated each month. For a schedule of workshops and to register, go to Get Registered (nrcdc.org) or call 346-339-1088.  

Workshop Series: Don’t Sell It! Build Wealth With It!
Don’t Sell It! Build Wealth With It! is our newest workshop, covering topics on how to build wealth with family inheritance property in lieu of selling. Workshop participants learn about legal protections to keep inheritance property in the family and options such as converting a home to an Air B&B or rental property, becoming a certified landlord with the Houston Housing Authority, and generating income through land use. The next workshop will take place Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., at Community Collective for Houston, 12401 S. Post Oak Rd. 77045. To register for the workshop, go to: https://bit.ly/45at90o. For more information, call 832-394-0701 or email mayra.hypolite@houstontx.gov.  

Legal Assistance
The services include legal assistance with Wills/Estate Plans, Sealing of Juvenile Records, and Expunction/Criminal Nondisclosure of Adult Records. To determine eligibility for free or low-cost services, complete a pe-assessment form at https://forms.office.com/g/Ft9d9PhWSF.

Coffee & Conversation
Join the Department of Neighborhoods, City department representatives, and community partners for Coffee & Conversation focusing on community interests and concerns.  The talks are held on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event location changes month to month. The Houston public is invited to participate in person or virtually via Zoom.

The next Coffee & Conversation is scheduled for August 22, 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Magnolia Multi-Service Center, 7037 Capitol St. 77011. 

To register for in-person attendance, click link: https://bit.ly/43UOs4U.
To register for virtual attendance, go to Get Registered (nrcdc.org) or call 346-339-1088.

 

CITIZENSHIP FORUMS
Assistance with Citizenship Applications

The DON Office of New Americans & Immigrant Communities offers monthly Citizenship Forums at different locations throughout Houston, sponsored in partnership with NALEO Educational Fund and BakerRipley. The services are available to persons who meet U.S. citizenship eligibility requirements and are limited to the first 75 persons in line to register. The next forum will be held on August 5, at BakerRipley Harbach Campus, 5225 Northdale St. 77087.  Registration is 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.  

About Citizenship Forums:
Citizenship Forums (houstontx.gov)

Forum Dates & Locations:
citizenship-forums-english-2023.png (1545×2000) (houstontx.gov)

Required Documents:
Citizenship-Forum-Application-English.pdf (houstontx.gov)

HELP FIGHT BANDIT SIGN BLIGHT

DON Director TaKasha Francis testified before the
Texas Senate Committee on Transportation in March
in support of legislation addressing bandit signs.

Report Bandit Signs
Illegally placed signs, called “bandit signs,” litter our roadways, neighborhoods, and public landscapes and clog our drainage systems, costing Houston taxpayers $282,000 annually for inspections and sign removal. Report bandit signs to 311 to help keep our city clean and hold violators accountable.

Volunteers Needed
If you would like to help with bandit signs cleanup efforts, please register at: Department of Neighborhoods Bandit Sign Volunteer Program | Volunteer Houston.

NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATES

Subscribe to Messages about City Services

Subscribe to Neighborhood Updates to receive messages about essential city services and seasonal advisories via phone voicemail or texts in English or Spanish. We especially invite seniors and others who may not have easy access to the internet, persons with disabilities who require communications by voice or text, and residents who prefer information in Spanish. To subscribe to Neighborhood Updates, call 3-1-1. You will have the option of receiving voice messages or texts in English or Spanish.
 

STAY SAFE FROM THE SUMMER HEAT

Heat Safety Precautions

For information on how to stay safe during periods of extremely high temperatures, go to:

City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (houstonoem.org).

 

City Cooling Centers
The City of Houston activates its Public Health Heat Emergency Plan to provide resources to people needing to take refuge from the heat.

While the emergency plan remains activated, people may seek air-conditioning at designated city multi-service centers, libraries, and recreation centers during the specified days and hours of operation.

Even when the emergency plan is not activated, people can go to City multi-service centers, libraries, and recreation centers during regular hours of operation for a break from the heat.

To inquire about a City cooling center location near you, hours of operation, and whether free Metro transportation is available, call 311.

Stay informed
Register for emergency alerts through email, text message, voice call, or mobile app push notification. You can download the Everbridge app free of charge from the Apple or Android app store. Tune in to official sources, including AlertHouston, local news stations, news radio stations 88.7 FM and 740 AM, and official social media channels (Twitter and Facebook).

BE PREPARED FOR A HURRICANE

Make an Emergency Plan. Put together an emergency supply kit. Stay Informed. For tips on how to prepare for an emergency, go to City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (houstonoem.org) and click “Prepare.”

 

Sign up for AlertHouston. Subscribers receive real-time weather alerts and post-storm recovery information via email, text message, voice mail, or mobile app push notification.

Register for Emergency Evacuation if needed. The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) allows residents to provide information about their specific situation to emergency management officials so they can help residents evacuate safely and provide appropriate life-sustaining assistance. Please note that registration with STEAR does not guarantee the delivery of services by responders and should not replace your own emergency plan. To register for STEAR, call 2-1-1 or visit www.stear.tdem.texas.gov.

FUN EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS AT HOUSTON LIBRARIES

The Houston Public Library (HPL) invites the community to its wide array of free programs and activities for children, tweens, teenagers, and adults. View the library’s calendar of events at https://calendar.houstonlibrary.org/calendar/events?cid=-1&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=-1&inc=0.

One Houston, One Book
HPL’s One Houston, One Book program promotes literacy, diversity, and community conversations by encouraging Houstonians to read and discuss books with a common theme. The program continues through September 28, featuring author talks, block parties, and read ins. For a schedule of presentations and activities, go to:  Events - Reservations - Visit us (houstonlibrary.org).

Join us online!

Facebook  I  Twitter  I  Instagram  I  Website

@neighborhou

CitizensNet | City of Houston

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Subscribe to CitizensNet or manage your preferences here:

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Thank you for your interest in the City of Houston!

Houston Black Business Internet Network - Efamily's Pratt Robinson's Business NEWS!

 

 

 

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Greetings everyone, I hope you enjoyed your weekend.  My thought for the second week of August 2023 is from Robert Kiyosaki.

Here are some top tips from the book: Start thinking and acting like an entrepreneur. Don't rely solely on a job for income, but instead focus on creating multiple streams of income through investments and business ventures. Invest in your education, especially in the areas of finance and investing.

_____________________________________________________________________ 

 

To increase my outreach in the Houston small business community, please consider passing this weekly e-blast event calendar to family, friends, and business associates.  Email me @ plrobinsonjr@hotmail.com    Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you! 

____________________________________ 

Hitting the mark

Small Business Marketing Strategies

• Know your audience.
• Emphasize your value proposition.
• Stay focused on singular goals and objectives.
• Capitalize on short-term plays.
• Double down on what works.
• Understand the power of existing customers.
• Use free promotional tools.
• Create a website to own your online presence.

_________________________________________________

Technology/Discovery

21 Top Social Media Sites to Consider for Your Brand in 2023

https://buffer.com/library/social-media-sites/

 __________________________________________________________

Marketing educates many people about a certain product.  HBBIN can help!  For more information, please email Pratt at plrobinsonjr@hotmail.com

HCC Scholarship $500 Raffle - ENTER!

 

	Thu, Aug 10, 7:52 PM (9 days ago)
to Jasenga

The internal newsletter of Houston Community College Central | HCC Central South August 10, 2023 | Vol. I No. 12 Hello HCC Central colleagues and friends: Registration is open for the Fall semester and HCC’s Registration Fairs are a great opportunity to get amazing enrollment support. Houston Community College can help you take the next step at one of our Registration Fairs happening at Central campus,1300 Holman Street, Houston, TX, 77004 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m August 12 & 19, 2023.  Location: William Harmon Bldg | Free parking available in student parking lots or parking garage along Alabama Street and Almeda Street. Central FYI Join our email list! Send your email to: hcccentralcommunications@gmail.com

Mayor Turner's Federal Update - GRANTS to Houston

 

City of Houston Mayor's Office Media Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 08/10/2023 View this email in your browser

Mayor Turner Releases Inaugural 2023 Federal Legislative and Advocacy Update HOUSTON - Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Mayor's Government Relations Team has released the 2023 Federal Legislative and Advocacy Update.  The Federal Update, a first of its kind report, provides an overview of how national initiatives are impacting the city along with competitive grants awarded.   The team in collaboration with its federal partners has aggressively advocated for legislation and pursued competitive grants that benefit all Houstonians. Specifically, during the past three years of the Biden-Harris Administration, the City of Houston has benefited from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), successfully competed and secured funds for local projects as a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA), along with securing community funded projects or “earmarks” from Houston’s Congressional delegation. The Federal Update provides a comprehensive report on major pieces of legislation and how Houston’s awards compare to other Texas cities. Examples of some of the programs and projects include: Emergency Rental Assistance Program directly distributed $181.8 million under ARPA Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: - RAISE Grant for Telephone Road for $21 million - Safe Streets & Roads for All Bissonnet project for $28.8 million - Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant for West Belt Improvement Project for $36.9 million Earmarks for EmPowering Solar Jobs at $750,000, Lake Houston Dam Spillway for $7.5 million, and Historic Wesley Chapel adaptive reuse for $3.5 million Executive & Legislative Advocacy with President Joe Biden, to Cabinet Officials like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg & EPA Administrator Michael Regan, and Houston’s Congressional delegation members like Senator John Cornyn Overall, this update highlights the City’s legislative successes, competitive grants, pending applications, and advocacy efforts that directly impact city services, operations, and community and infrastructure investments that touch the lives of everyday Houstonians.   “I want to thank the Biden-Harris administration for its unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for local governments to receive direct allocations through the American Rescue Plan during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic," says Mayor Sylvester Turner. "At the same time, my administration has been laser focused on the challenges that our city faces, particularly in the areas of crime, infrastructure, resiliency, environmental justice, broadband access, and our Vision Zero plan. In partnership with our federal partners and the competitive grants afforded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or ‘IIJA’, my team has worked diligently with city departments to successfully secure federal funding that is driving immeasurable investments in communities across our city, especially in Complete Communities. All Houstonians will benefit from these projects, no matter their zip code or economic background.”  Contact:   Mary Benton Director of Communications Office: 832.393.0830 Mobile: 713.208.6229 Mary.Benton@houstontx.gov Deidrea George Press Secretary Office: 832.393.0800 Mobile: 832.763.6972 Deidrea.George@houstontx.gov

City of Houston Library is a COOLING CENTER

 

City of Houston Houston Health Department Media Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 08/11/2023 View this email in your browser

City of Houston libraries, multi-service centers to serve as weekend cooling centers HOUSTON - City of Houston libraries will serve as cooling centers Saturday, August 12, and two multi-service centers and a community center on Sunday, August 13 for Houstonians needing to take refuge from the heat. Houston libraries and multi-service centers will function as cooling centers during normal business hours on weekdays and Saturdays. The Central Library downtown is unavailable as a cooling center. Community centers operated by Houston Parks and Recreation Department will open to the public after the conclusion of daily programming for enrolled participants. Anyone without air-conditioning can seek shelter at any of the following city buildings designated as cooling centers during the heat emergency. The following locations will open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 13: Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Rd.  Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4410 Reed Rd. Moody Community Center, 3725 Fulton St. The YMCA of Greater Houston will open its locations for people needing to seek relief. The National Weather Service predicts heat index values will reach as high as 113 through Sunday. The City of Houston activates its Public Health Heat Emergency Plan when the Houston area begins to experience excessive heat. It activates the plan when a heat advisory or an excessive heat warning is expected to last two or more consecutive days. People without adequate transportation to a designated cooling center can call 3-1-1 to request a free ride. Transportation is only to and from the cooling centers; transportation to other locations is unavailable. The Houston Health Department recommends the precautions below to avoid heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Drink more water. Drink lots of liquids even before getting thirsty, but avoid beverages with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar because these can result in the loss of body fluid. Conduct outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening when temperatures are not as high. Outdoor workers should drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement beverages and take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned facility. People unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment need to start slowly and gradually increase heat exposure over several weeks. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits the evaporation of perspiration. Do not leave infants, children, senior citizens, or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are cracked open. Check to make sure everyone is out of the car and don’t overlook children who may have fallen asleep. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to help prevent sunburn as well as heat-related illness. Apply sunscreen, which protects from the sun’s harmful rays and reduces the risk of sunburn. Seek accommodations in air-conditioned facilities during the heat of the day if the house is not air-conditioned: a relative’s home, multi-service centers, malls, movie theaters, libraries, etc. Take frequent cool baths or showers if your home is not air-conditioned. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include weakness, dizziness, excessive sweating, cool or moist skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, and a fast and weak pulse. People experiencing these symptoms should lower their body temperature by getting to a cooler place, drinking water, taking a cool shower or bath and resting. A throbbing headache, red, hot, and dry skin (no longer sweating), extremely high body temperature (above 103°), nausea or vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness and a rapid, strong pulse are signs of heat stroke. If these symptoms occur, call 9-1-1 immediately and try to lower the person’s body temperature until help arrives. People may seek air-conditioning in city multi-service centers, libraries and recreation centers, even when the Public Health Heat Emergency Plan is not activated. For more information or to find the nearest cooling center location or an air-conditioned city facility, people can call 3-1-1. Media Contacts: Porfirio Villarreal Office: 832-393-5041 Mobile: 713-826-5695 Porfirio.Villarreal@houstontx.gov Tucker Wilson Office: 832-393-5045 Mobile: 346-802-7508 Tucker.Wilson@houstontx.gov

Janssen DIVERSITY HIRING PHARMACY, PROCESS ENGINEER, Manufacturing Scientist, Digital or Systems Lead

FARMERS MARKET NORTHEAST Sat Aug 19th 9am - Noon thanks Earl Carl Institute for sharing!

Please join us for the Northeast Community Farmer's Market. Saturday, August 19, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ​LBJ Farm. 5425 Troost St. Houston, Texas 77026

Congrats! Please Give Blood and Support 10 Years of One Body Networking Janice Weaver!!