February 18, 2022, Newsletter

Dear GNMD Friend,

Happy 2022!

COVID-19 continues to occur in our community, and we encourage you to take advantage of the free at-home COVID test kits offered by the government. In addition, the

Houston Health Department offers free COVID-19 vaccinations (including the booster) and tests at numerous locations. Information is available in this newsletter.

Congratulations to Roni Cabrera of HTX ART upon receiving a $100,000 grant from H-E-B, Kelly Clarkson and Amy Poehler! We have partnered with Roni for events occurring in the Greater Northside and are proud of her commitment to provide access to art in Houston’s underserved communities.

Your safety continues to be foremost in our mind, so if you "See Something, Say Something." Our officers patrol the District 24/7 to ensure that you remain safe. Please do not hesitate to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Last, but not least, please continue to support our local Northside Businesses and Shop Northside!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Reyna

Executive Director

#NorthsideStrong

Get free at-home COVID test kits

As of January 19, 2022, you can order free at-home tests online at COVIDTests.gov. Four tests per family will be mailed to you.

There are two types of tests for COVID-19. Viral tests tell you if you have a current infection, and antibody tests tell you if you've been previously infected.

The tests available for order:

Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR.
Can be taken anywhere.
Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required).
Work whether or not you have COVID-⁠19 symptoms.
Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-⁠19 vaccines.
Are also referred to as self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests.

If you test positive, follow these quarantine and isolation guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COVID-19 services and resources

The Houston Health Department offers COVID-19 vaccinations and tests at numerous sites.

Getting vaccinated helps prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death. It also helps reduce the spread of COVID-19.

People who get their first dose or booster shot at eligible vaccination sites will be entered into drawings for $1,000 gift cards. Click here for more information.

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.

One Safe Houston: The Mayor's Public Safety Initiative to Combat Violent Crime

Mayor Sylvester Turner recently released One Safe Houston: The Mayor's Public Safety Initiative to Combat Violent Crime. Click here to view the plan.

Crime Stoppers of Houston will be hosting a webinar on Teen Dating Violence on at noon on February 23. Click here to register.

Avoid danger when you have car trouble

Each minute a motorist is stopped on a freeway, the risk of serious injury or death increases dramatically. HoustonTranStar’s “It’s Only a White Line” Campaign urges stranded motorists and pedestrians to get off the freeway and out of danger as quickly as possible after experiencing car trouble. Learn more at onlyawhiteline.org or click here to view a fact sheet.

HPD Chief's Citywide

Positive Interaction Program - March 8 at 7 p.m.

Complete Communities needs your input

Complete Communities Action Plan is looking at ways to expand Near Northside job training opportunities. Complete this Skill Training and Continuing Education Survey to help organize job fairs, workshops and trainings.

HTX ART founder & CEO Veronica Cabrera receives $100,000 grant from

H-E-B, Kelly Clarkson & Amy Poehler

Veronica Cabrera, an experienced artist and mother of four sons, was recently recognized with a $100,000 grant from H-E-B, Texas singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson and comedian Amy Poehler on "The Kelly Clarkson Show."

Cabrera, widely known as “Roni,” is the founder and CEO of HTX ART, a creative enterprise that provides access to art in Houston’s underserved communities.

Roni envisioned and created The Art Bus by transforming an old school bus into a mobile art studio. The bus travels from special events to scheduled classes and provides art across the community, including the Greater Northside Management District.

Roni participates in the Greater Northside Business Revitalization Program (Thrive) spearheaded by Greater Northside Management District and Avenue. She is receiving free business development support, enabling her business to continue to thrive despite challenges in today's environment.

Teaching art to children has been a passion of Roni’s as she has taught classes, run a summer camp and coordinated many events for children and the arts such as the Sabor del Northside Festival in the Greater Northside.

Roni is working to provide a bricks-and-mortar space for artists and artisans to work, display and sell their creations. While establishing that space, "Art in the Heart of Eastex Jensen," Cabrera continues to spread her creativity across Houston.

Roni has been recognized as a “Community Partner of Recognition” award from Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and was nominated twice for The Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Award for “Arts in the Community.”

Click here to watch the presentation on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" and to learn more about HTX ART.

Roni and her family appear on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" on December 3, 2021.

AT&T offers Affordable Connectivity Program

There is good news for many Texans who lack a reliable internet connection: fast broadband connections for qualified residents at the best price possible -- $0.

This program is available now and is made possible because of a partnership between the Access from AT&T program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Are you eligible for this program? If you can access the internet, find out via the ACP website. Then reach out to AT&T at (855) 220-5211. They can verify your ACP approval and set you up on a plan with the ACP benefit. You can also reach out to the ACP at (877) 384-2575.

If you are currently receiving the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), your benefit will remain the same through February 28. To receive the ACP benefit after February 28, you may be contacted by the Universal Services Administrative Co. (USAC) to reverify your eligibility.

If you qualified under the EBB COVID temporary loss of income criteria, the National Verifier will need to reverify your eligibility under different criteria prior to March 1.

Harris County bicycle opinion survey

Harris County residents are asked to complete a survey on how to make bicycle travel safer and more inviting.

The survey seeks information about your interest in bicycling, your experience riding a bicycle within Harris County, barriers to safe bicycling and your opinion about how to encourage more people to bicycle.

Click here to participate in the 10- to 15-minute survey.

February is Love Your Pet Month

Did you know that February is Love Your Pet Month and that February 20 is National Love Your Pet Day?

Council Member Karla Cisneros invites you to take part in an initiative to promote healthy pet ownership with a series of events, including free spays/neuters for pets of Houston residents.

To register your pet, click here. You can also register in person (without your pet) at 9111 Jensen Drive from 10 a m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:

February 20-22

February 27

2021 winter storm assistance

The Houston/Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund and its partners have repaired over 750 homes damaged by the freeze in February 2021. Click here to see if you qualify for home repairs through this program and to submit an application.

Note: Reimbursement is only available for homes in the City of Houston or Harris County. Repair is available to homes in the City of Houston, Harris County, or Fort Bend County.

If you are unable to access the online application, call (713) 862-8222.

Employment & educational opportunities

Virtual academia de emprendedores

¿Interesado en participar en una de nuestras clases de la academia de emprendedores? Nuestros socios en BakerRipley están ofreciendo clases educativas para personas interesadas en iniciar un negocio (clase Lanzar) o emprendedores que buscan estrategias para expandir su negocio (clase Crecer). ¡Este es un programa de 8 semanas (8 sábados) y es virtual!

Costo de Inscripción:

Clase Lanzar - $50
Clase Crecer - $100

*Se les proporcionara todo el material de la clase*

Haga clic en el enlace para completar nuestro formulario de interés y se comunicaran con usted con más instrucciones sobre cómo inscribirse bit.ly/claseemprendedores.

Fecha límite: 01 de Marzo - Clases inician el 05 de Marzo. Cupo limitado.

Si tiene preguntas, favor de contactar al 832.808.5324 (Whatsapp) o en opportunity@bakerripley.org.

Employment assistance at SER

SER is a nonprofit community organization that educates and equips people in the Texas Gulf Coast Region who come from low-income backgrounds or who have significant barriers to employment. SER believes the power and purpose of work can transform lives and communities.