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May 2021 Newsletter
Bolstering the Complete Communities Identity
The Complete Communities newsletter has a new look. Inspired by the neighborhoods, history, and residents that make up Complete Communities, our new identity is designed to not only represent each of these unique aspects but also to show how they come together to create a stronger, more resilient Houston for all. A new website and social media channels will go live in the coming weeks.
Mayor Turner Announces Implementation of
Policing Reform Task Force Recommendations
Mayor Sylvester Turner outlined his plans to implement a significant number of the recommendations submitted by the Mayor's Task Force on Policing Reform to improve accountability, transparency, change police policies and build mutual trust and respect with the community. Mayor Turner announced the following steps he has taken to implement the recommendations:
• Release body-camera video within 30 days
• Bans “no-knock” warrants for nonviolent offenses
• Restructures Independent Oversight Board (IPOB) and names new Chair
• Names Deputy Inspector General to serve in the new Office of Policing Reform and Accountability
• Announces new online Police Transparency Dashboard improving how the public files complaints and accesses information on the newly designed website.
• Invests $25 million in crisis intervention and domestic violence programs 
• Commits to Safe Harbor Courts for those who cannot afford warrants and fines.
"This is a transformational moment for the city of Houston. The events of the past have highlighted a need for police reform in our country and in our community.
We are moving forward to improve police policies and build mutual trust and respect between the police and the community."

— Mayor Sylvester Turner
Air Monitoring Program Aims to Reduce Air Pollution
Air Alliance Houston is working to expand existing community air monitoring work to improve the air quality in communities of color.
In 2019, Air Alliance Houston’s report “Environmental Hazards in Houston’s Complete Communities” revealed that environmental hazards are more prevalent in Complete Communities near places like homes and schools than other areas in Houston. The report also highlighted the stark differences in health outcomes, such as asthma and lower life expectancy, for people living in Complete Communities compared to other neighborhoods in Houston.

As a result of this study, Air Alliance Houston will be working in partnership with residents in Kashmere Gardens, Near Northside, and Gulfton Complete Communities to establish air monitoring networks and build residents capacity to use monitoring data to accelerate action on air quality issues thanks to a grant they secured.
Throughout the next few months, residents will work with Air Alliance Houston to identify air pollution hotspots, install air monitors, track data, and develop neighborhood action plans to address air quality and work towards environmental justice.

Air Alliance Houston will provide updates in their newsletter. For more information about the program, please contact Juan Flores, Air Alliance Houston’s Community Air Monitoring Program Manager at juan@airalliancehouston.org.
CenterPoint Offers Free A/C Tune-ups
Are you ready for the summer? Better yet, is your air conditioner in fighting condition to help you beat the heat? CenterPoint Energy is offering free residential A/C tune-ups: Qualifications include:
  • Central A/C or heat pump must be at least one year old and working
  • A/C system must be a residential unit less than five tons
  • Detached, single-family home with CenterPoint Energy’s electric service.
  • A Coolsaver tune-up has not been performed in the last five years
  • Outdoor temperature must be 70 degrees or higher to perform the tune-up
 
Appointments are limited, so call 866-688-2323 to enroll now and schedule your free Coolsaver A/C Tune-up or enroll online at CenterPointEnergy.com/Coolsaver.
HFEC Earns Difference Maker Award
The Houston Financial Empowerment Center was a recipient of the Difference Maker Award by Houston Money Week which recognized the program for their educational work and impact in Houston.

The HFEC was selected as a recipient of the award for their collaborative efforts during April National Financial Literacy Month and Money Week. Their recognized work included organizing and creating webinars, programs, and other educational content to promote financial literacy education to the Houston area community.
The Houston Financial Empowerment Center offers at no cost, professional financial counseling to Houstonians, to make an appointment, please visit our homepage at https://www.houstontx.gov/fec/ 
Currently, all financial counseling sessions are offered remotely.
Houston Public Library Reopens 11 Locations
Earlier this month, Houston Public Library opened 11 Neighborhood and Regional libraries at limited capacity for an additional service, Express Browsing.

You are now able to come in and use the library for up to one hour at a time to browse the collection (Express Browsing), check out materials, and use library computers. Special Collections libraries are also open for research. No appointments needed to come into the library. Additional locations will be added soon.
The following services are still available by appointment:
  • Technology Access at TECHLink
  • Interview Rooms (at select locations)
  • HPL TO GO Curbside Service (at select locations
Independent Financial Bank Offers Small Grants Program
To assist non-profits that have experienced program challenges due to COVID-19 and the recent winter storms, Independent Financial Bank has launched a new small grants program for Houston area non-profit organizations that help meet the critical needs of low and moderate income individuals, families, or small businesses.
Grant awards from $5,000-$10,000 must be used for activities that impact community development, education, health and wellness. Activities such as political sponsorships, event conferences, research and capital projects, individual or team sponsorships are ineligible. 

Contact Aarika.plunkett@ibtx.com for more information.
LISC's Training 4 Trainers Seeks Passionate, Committed Leaders
Emerging and seasoned neighborhood leaders can sharpen their advocacy skills through Houston LISC’s Training 4 Trainers program. Selected leaders will participate as a cohort and collaboratively learn about leadership, advocacy, and community building topics. This six-month self-guided leadership training program will focus on health, equity, environmental justice, and transportation.
 
To be eligible, participants must be actively complete online learning modules and exercises and participate in monthly online training workshops from June to November, 2021.

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. The final date to apply is May 28, 2021.
June Month of Service Virtual Webinar Calendar
Attend virtual workshops to learn about protecting generational wealth, estate planning, down payment assistance, and more.
 
A Month of Service is a partnership between community partners to provide the public with valuable information to help make informed personal, financial, and legal decisions.
 
Acres Home
Healthy Outdoor Communities and Better Block Foundation Team Up to Provide Free Tactical Urbanism Training
Healthy Outdoor Communities is hosting a free six-week Tactical Urbanism training course, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Tuesday from May 4 to June 8
 
Led by the Better Block Foundation, these sessions will educate the public on low-cost, temporary changes to public space that will improve neighborhoods and gathering places. Examples of Tactical Urbanism include pop-up events and businesses, installing protected bike lanes, and temporary open spaces for biking, walking, hiking and social activities.  
 
Please register in advance for this meeting. After registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with instructions for attending the meeting.  
 
To learn more about the Better Block Foundation, visit www.betterblock.org/
HCC Automotive program offers specialized training
Interested adults living in the Acres Home community can enroll in automotive courses and get specialized training close to home. The automotive, auto body, and heavy vehicle and diesel repair programs help to prepare students for careers in various transportation industries. HCC offers certificates and degrees utilizing high-tech training and the latest technology and equipment. Training is available in north Houston at the Automotive Technology Training Center, at 4638 Airline Drive.
 
In addition to the hands-on experience, students have access to online curricula and specializations offered by industry leaders such as Ford, Audi, Subaru, AC Delco, Toyota, Cummins, I-Car and other products at no cost. Graduates are able to use their skills training at dealerships, repair and maintenance franchises, heavy equipment companies, independent shops or as entrepreneurs.
 
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. For more information,
call 713-718-8100 or visit hccs.edu/automotive.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2021
Join the Asia Society all month for 31 ways to celebrate the vibrant and diverse traditions and cultural contributions during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Tune in for live programs, try a new restaurant, expand your bookshelf, and find inspiration to celebrate Asian Pacific American heritage throughout the month of May and beyond.
Gulfton
Complete Communities Meeting
Is Gulfton in need of more green? Have an idea on where to plant more trees? If so, join us at our next Complete Communities meeting, 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 26. Katherine Newtown with Trees for Houston will discuss the tree planting process, how to find the perfect tree planting location and when to begin planting.
 
Or call in (audio only)
+1 936-755-1521 58550120#
Kashmere Gardens
Summer 2021 BUFTX STEM Esports Program
Need some ideas on what your child can do for the summer? The Black Unitied Fund of Texas (BUFTX) is partnering with Generation Esports and D.A.R.E. PLUS to launch an esports program this summer.
 
Beginning in June, this six week program will introduce students to esports, the gaming industry and related career opportunities. Participants will also learn STEM skills such as coding, game development and design, and streaming.
 
If this sounds like a good fit for your child, please register to save a seat. Participation in this program is free. Scan the QR code with your mobile phone camera app.
Fort Bend Houston
Donation Box Ordinance Passed by City Council
Spearheaded by Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, Houston City Council passed the Donation Box Ordinance on May 5. The ordinance requires owners of large donation bins to apply for a permit, and to regularly check the space in and around the drop-off location. A fine can be assessed after repeated instances of owner neglect.
 
Companies that own the bins will now have to get permission from property owners before placing them on site. Owners of the donation boxes will have a four-month grace period to comply. Learn more about the Donation Box Ordinance.
Community Garage Sale
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Got stuff? Bring your items to sell at the Community Garage Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 22 at Navarro Middle School located on 5100 Polk Street.
 
Contact Antonia Trevino-Cruz at 713-556-2366 to reserve your space. This is a free event, but you'll need to bring tables, chairs and a canopy.
 
For more information, please contact Steven Deutsch, Navarro Middle School Wraparound Resource Specialist at 713-924-1760 Ext: 054205.
Near Northside
Free COVID Vaccines at Castillo Community Center Throughout the Month of May
It’s not too late to get a free COVID-19 vaccination thanks to Commissioner Adrian Garcia with Harris County Precinct 2 in partnership with United Memorial Medical Center.
 
Vaccines are being offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in May at the Leonel Castillo Community Center located at 2101 South Street. Residents can receive the vaccination without an appointment, identification or insurance.
No es demasiado tarde para obtener una vacuna de COVID-19 gratis gracias al Comisionado Adrian Garcia con el Distrito 2 del Condado de Harris en asociación con United Memorial Medical Center.
 
La comunidad puede recibir la vacunación todos los lunes, miércoles y jueves en mayo, de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m., en el Centro Comunitario Leonel Castillo, 2101 South Street. No se requiere cita, identificación o seguro.
Second Ward
Summertime Drive-In Movie Nights
The Second Ward Complete Communities group would like to invite you to a series of Drive-In Movie Nights at the Talento Bilinge, 333 Jensen Dr. Screenings are at
6:30 p.m., Thursdays on May 20, June 17, and July 15. The Movie Nights are free.
 
For more information, contact the Second Ward Complete Communities lead planner, Abraham Zorrilla, at Abraham.Zorrilla@houstontx.gov
Sunnyside
Complete Communities Meeting
Join us for our upcoming Sunnyside Complete Communities meeting to discuss exciting updates and neighborhood activities.
 
Sunnyside Complete Communities Meeting
6 - 8 p.m., Thursday, June 3
 
Microsoft Teams
Or call in (audio only)
Healthy Outdoor Communities and Better Block Foundation Team Up to Provide Free Tactical Urbanism Training
Healthy Outdoor Communities is hosting a free six-week Tactical Urbanism training at 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday from May 4 to June 8. See the first story in the “Acres Home” section above for more details.
Emancipation Economic Development Council
Offers Assistance For Small Business Owners
and High School Graduates 
Small business owners and entrepreneurs can receive business planning, one-on-one business consulting, and access to micro-loans and retail space.
 
The Third Ward Small Business Training program, hosted by the Emancipation Economic Development Council (EEDC), is available to assist participants with growing businesses. The program offers 12 courses taught by experienced business professionals that provide essential tools to create a solid foundation for businesses.
 
For more information, contact jnicklos@emancipationhouston.org or call 346-980-5635.
Going off to college or trade school? EEDC can help 2021 high school graduates on their next educational journey through the Third Ward College Send Off program.
 
High schools students residing in the 77004 area code that have been accepted to higher education institutions or vocational schools are eligible to receive a one-time monetary gift and college supplies. The celebration of graduates will be June 19.
 
For more information, visit EEDC College Send Off program.
Project Row Houses partners with Houston LISC
to Launch Financial Opportunity Center
Job seekers in Third Ward that need assistance with advancing their skills to secure a livable wage can work with an experience job coach to meet their employment goals.
 
In a partnership with Houston LISC, Project Row Houses recently launched the Financial Opportunity Center to provide program participants with access to a range of entrepreneurship courses and career development. This education is facilitated by experienced artists and creatives within the community.
 
To register for an Information Session, contact Anjeanette Gunter at agunter@projectrowhouses.org or call 409-234-1020.
Third Ward Community Hosts Tributes
to Honor George Floyd Jr.  
Join the Third Ward community in upcoming events that honor the late George Floyd Jr.
 
Walking shoes are needed to participate in the George Floyd Memorial Walk at 8 a.m., Saturday, May 22. Walkers will travel from MacGregor Park to Jack Yates High School. Afterward, Gertrude Jane Stone, Miss Jack Yates 1952, will host the George Floyd Memorial Garden Dedication.
 
The groundbreaking ceremony for the George Perry Floyd Jr. Community Athletic Field will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, May 28. The field is located at Jack Yates High School football field, 3650 Alabama Street. This event is hosted by the Houston Texans, Houston Society for Change, 88 C.H.U.M.P., Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Jack Yates National Alumni Association.

Theses tributes end with the George Floyd Memorial Concert at 6 p.m., Sunday, May 30, which will be located at the Fountain of Praise, 13960 Hillcroft Ave.
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