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Did you know?
- Harris County leads the state in intimate partner fatalities.
- 1 in 3 individuals will experience family violence or know someone who has.
- 3 in 5 individual instances of family violence go unreported each year.
- 70% of ALL calls in Harris County made to law enforcement are related to family violence.
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Please Join us for our next meeting:
June 5th at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall,
901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002
To learn more about the Resilience Committee meetings, click here.
| | Covenant House Ribbon Cutting | |
Covenant House Texas officially opened the doors to its brand-new 104,000-square-foot Jamey Rootes Campus, a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Montrose dedicated to serving Houston’s unhoused youth. Far more than a shelter, the Jamey Rootes Campus is designed to provide comprehensive, wrap-around care that supports not just immediate needs, but long-term success and self-sufficiency. The facility serves young people ages 18 to 24, offering a safe haven and a stable foundation during some of the most vulnerable years of their lives and offers a broad range of services that address both urgent and ongoing needs. The space creates an environment where youth can heal, learn, and build toward a stable future. From medical care and mental health services to daycare support for young parents, the campus provides essential tools to support holistic well-being. It includes creative and recreational space like a music room and communal gathering areas designed to foster self-expression and a sense of belonging.
Under the new leadership of CEO Anthony Flynn and his vision for long-term transformation, Houston is now better positioned to serve its most vulnerable young residents and advance its mission of ending youth homelessness. His clear and compassionate vision for transformation is guiding Covenant House Texas toward a future rooted in sustainability, dignity, and empowerment. The Jamey Rootes Campus is more than a building—it’s a beacon of hope and possibility. As Houston continues to grow, this campus stands as a reminder that every young person deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and seen.
| 2025 Community Safety & Business Symposium | |
The 2025 Community Safety & Business Symposium, hosted by the Texas Safety & Business Alliance, brought together leaders from across Houston’s public safety, legal, and business sectors to collaborate on strategies that build safer, more resilient communities. With panel discussions featuring representatives from the Houston Police Department, Houston METRO Police, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI, attendees explored critical issues such as hate crime prevention, financial crime investigation, and improving trust between law enforcement and the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Council Member Carter delivered a featured keynote address, where she highlighted her office’s I’m Ok, Are You Ok? Family Violence Awareness Initiative, launched in partnership with the Texas Council on Family Violence. The initiative focuses on breaking cycles of abuse through community education, outreach, and cross-agency collaboration. In recognition of her leadership and advocacy, Council Member Carter was presented with the inaugural Houston Public Safety Leadership Award.
The symposium underscored the importance of citywide collaboration in creating safer environments for all Houstonians. The City of Houston extends appreciation to the Southwest Management District and Mayor John Whitmire for their partnership in helping bring this impactful event to life.
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The City of Houston is proud to announce that the East Downtown District will serve as the official host for the FIFA Fan Festival during the FIFA World Cup 26. This designation marks a significant milestone in Houston’s continued emergence as a premier destination for global events and a testament to the city’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange, community engagement, and collaboration. Houston will welcome fans from around the world to seven matches held at NRG Stadium. It is anticipated that more than 500,000 visitors will travel to the city, providing a remarkable opportunity to showcase Houston’s diversity and hospitality. Attendees can expect an immersive fan experience that includes live broadcasts of matches, a wide variety of food, beverages, and performances by musical acts. The festival will also include programming tailored to youth and families, with interactive soccer-related activities designed to engage and inspire the next generation of athletes.
This celebration will not only highlight Houston’s deep love for the game of soccer, but will serve as a reflection of the city’s multicultural spirit. The arrival of the FIFA Fan Festival signals an historic opportunity for economic growth, cultural exchange, and international visibility.
For more information on FIFA Houston, click here.
| Houston Police Department Annual Memorial Service | | |
During Police Week 2025, the Houston Police Department held its annual memorial service to honor the courageous men and women who have given their lives in service to the city. The ceremony stood as a powerful and dignified tribute, bringing together city leaders, officers, families, and community members for a moment of unity, remembrance, and deep respect. Led by Mayor John Whitmire and Police Chief J. Noe Diaz, the service recognized the sacrifices made by fallen officers and the legacy they leave behind. Their remarks spoke not only to the bravery of those lost in the line of duty, but also to the resilience of their families and the strength of the law enforcement community.
The ceremony featured a roll call of the fallen, a poignant tradition that called out each name in honor of their memory. In addition to Missing Man Fly-Over, there was a 21-gun salute, and candlelight tribute, each symbolizing honor, loss, and enduring gratitude. The presentation of a memorial wreath offered a final gesture of reverence and collective mourning. These traditions serve as a powerful reminder that the sacrifices made by Houston’s police officers are never forgotten. Their courage, dedication, and service continue to shape the values of the department and inspire those who carry the badge today.
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Tour of Star of Hope
Women and Family Development Center
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Council Member Carter recently joined the Star of Hope’s Women and Family Development Center for a guided tour—an essential facility supporting homeless single women and single-parent families in Houston. Located in the Cornerstone Community campus, the center provides shelter, stability, and a structured path forward for those facing difficult life transitions.
During the tour, council members explored a range of services offered onsite, including job readiness training, GED prep, workforce development, and housing assistance. The center also features tailored recovery programs, life skills development, and a state-licensed childcare program serving children from infancy through age 17. This allows parents to focus on healing and rebuilding while knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing environment.
In 2024 alone, Star of Hope provided over 313,000 meals, nearly 260,000 nights of shelter, and more than 84,000 hours of education and support services. With community need on the rise, the center welcomes continued support. Urgent needs include size 5 and 6 diapers, bath towels, and twin blankets. Ongoing needs include regular-sized toothpaste, bar soap for women, and new undergarments in all sizes. Houstonians can get involved by donating goods, volunteering, or offering financial support.
For more information, click here
| | Celebrating National Bike Month | | |
As part of the City of Houston’s celebration of National Bike Month, we participated in a series of bike rides in District I and J. Alongside organization like Wellness on Wheels and Freewheels Houston, residents took to the streets to promote wellness, community engagement and connections within our neighborhoods. These rides served as a unique way for elected officials to connect with constituents, hear concerns, and show support for active civic engagement. Along the routes, casual conversations and shared observations about resources, infrastructure and local development helped foster meaningful dialogue between residents and community leaders. The bike rides became a moving forum for listening, learning, and strengthening ties between residents and their elected officials.
A memorable moment was the 10-year anniversary celebration of Freewheels Houston, a nonprofit organization that has distributed over 3,000 bicycles to refugees, veterans, and students. Their commitment to mobility access and empowerment has transformed countless lives and stood as a powerful example of how community collaboration drives progress. Together, these rides reflected the power of collaboration and the importance of showing up. It is about moving forward as one city, one community, with a shared purpose and vision.
| | Click on the graphics to take the survey. | | |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY THAI!
One of the oldest male Asian elephants in the U.S. lives right here in Houston—and he’s turning 60 this month! Thai receives special geriatric care, including a customized diet, arthritis treatments, and fresh soft sand for comfortable bedding. Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a visit to see Thai, and don’t forget to wish him a happy birthday on June 16!.
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Wildlife Workshops
Learn about what the Houston Zoo is doing locally to save wildlife. Join a physical space suitable for all ages to collaborate, learn, celebrate, and wildlife-saving behaviors.
Building hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Visit with CityPASS
Save up to 51% when you visit Houston Zoo and four other popular attractions. Houston CityPASS bundles the most popular attractions into a convenient, money-saving package that will ensure you experience the best things to do in Houston.
Learn more here.
| | Get Lit: In partnership with Trice Education Resources, this summer's free Literacy Program offers fun, focused support in both English and Spanish. Your child can join 30-minute sessions designed to strengthen core reading skills. | | Color Our World: Read and win! Open to all ages — kids, teens, and adults. Read books, earn prizes, and enjoy fun events all summer long. Each library will have a grand prize winner who’ll take home a brand-new bike, courtesy of CYCLE Houston! | | |
About the Community Re-Entry Network Program
The City of Houston’s Health Department is making a meaningful impact on the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals through its Community Re-Entry Network Program (CRNP). This transformative initiative focuses on providing second chances, successful reintegration, and enhanced public safety for individuals transitioning back into society.
CRNP offers a comprehensive support system that guides participants through the challenging re-entry process. By addressing essential needs such as employment, personal development, mental health, health care, transportation and addiction recovery, the program helps reduce recidivism and fosters greater community stability.
To equip participants for long-term success, CRNP provides job readiness and life skills training, empowering individuals to build the skills necessary for both personal and professional growth. Other resources include anger management courses and the Texas Drug Offender Education Program (TDOEP), a state-certified course designed to reduce substance abuse-related offenses.
Further supporting reintegration, CRNP organizes peer support groups that meet twice a week, providing a safe space for participants to share experiences, offer encouragement, and build valuable connections. By taking a holistic approach to re-entry, CRNP not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the foundation for long-term success and well-being.
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Summer Safety
As children and teens spend more time at home and in the community during the summer, it’s essential that families stay vigilant about safety. Whether kids are home alone, at summer camp, or traveling, open conversations and preventative steps can help avoid tragedy.
Below are safety tips:
At Home
- Set clear rules and schedules for screen time, going outside, and check-ins.
- If hiring a sitter, check the National Sex Offender Registry, and trust your child’s instincts.
- Educate your child about emergency contacts and boundaries.
Summer Camps
- Ask if staff are background-checked and trained in bullying and abuse prevention.
- Review personal safety and scenario-based discussions with your child before camp begins.
Water Safety
- Never leave a child unattended around water—even bathtubs.
- Consider becoming CPR certified and always use life jackets when boating.
Travel Safety
- Discuss what to do if separated and avoid sharing real-time updates on social media.
- Postpone mail/package deliveries and request police watch if you're away for an extended period.
| | Click on the resources below to be redirected to the webpage. | | |
Amy Peck, District A
districta@houstontx.gov
Tarsha Jackson, District B
districtb@houstontx.gov
Abbie Kamin, District C
districtc@houstontx.gov
Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, District D
districtd@houstontx.gov
Fred Flickinger, District E
districte@houstontx.gov
Tiffany D. Thomas, District F
districtf@houstontx.gov
Mary Nan Huffman, District G
districtg@houstontx.gov
Mario Castillo, District H
districth@houstontx.gov
Joaquin Martinez, District I
districti@houstontx.gov
Edward Pollard, District J
districtj@houstontx.gov
Martha Castex-Tatum, District K
districtk@houstontx.gov
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