March Newsletter

Winter Storm Enzo

As Chair of Resilience Committee, I am excited to welcome this month's speaker, Chris Newport, Chief of Staff for Houston Mayor, John Whitmire. He will be discussing Winter Storm Enzo. With his background as Chief of Staff, Chris Newport brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and commitment to Houston's resiliency. His presentation will provide valuable insights and offer potential solutions that will help us continue to build a stronger community and identify the strategies necessary to shape Houston's response, resilience, and recovery efforts for future winter storms.

Join us for our next Resilience Committee Meeting on March 6 at 10:00 am at City Hall,

901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002

For recordings of our past Resilience Committee meetings or for more information, click here.

March on Crime: Building a Safer Houston

The Houston Police Department and Mayor Whitmire held the 41st Annual "March On Crime" press release on Monday, March 3rd. Council Member Carter was in attendance and in full support of the initiative taking place throughout this month. The focus is on crime prevention and strengthening community partnerships.

This year, the Office of Community Affairs, along with patrol divisions and partner organizations, is working closely with neighborhoods to address safety concerns and build trust. Through community meetings, outreach programs, and partnerships with local businesses, the campaign fosters stronger relationships between officers and residents, creating a more unified approach to public safety.

Residents are encouraged to take part in crime prevention efforts, including programs like the Positive Interaction Program, which promotes open dialogue and transparency. By working together, law enforcement and the community can create lasting change, ensuring a safer and stronger Houston for all.

Salvation Army New Building Dedication

Council Member Carter celebrated the grand opening of the Salvation Army's new building at 2407 N. Main Street with a Certificate of Appreciation, marking a significant milestone in their mission to support underserved communities. This state-of-the-art facility expands the Salvation Army’s ability to provide critical services, such as emergency shelter, food assistance, and educational programs to those in need across Houston.

The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and inspiring remarks from community leaders, recognizing the Salvation Army’s unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. The new facility will be a crucial resource in addressing the needs of individuals and families, helping them regain stability and hope.

Boy's & Girls Club of Greater Houston Proclamation

Council Member Carter proudly congratulates the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston's finalists in the Julius Young Youth of the Year program. This prestigious program recognizes outstanding young men and women for their achievements, leadership, and dedication to their communities, awarding scholarships to support their continued success. Their ability to lead, inspire, and create positive change serves as a beacon of hope for the future. The City of Houston celebrates these rising leaders and their journey toward a brighter, more promising tomorrow.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade was a true celebration of Texas heritage, bringing the city together in a vibrant display of tradition and community spirit. Council Member Carter joined fellow riders, local organizations, and thousands of Houstonians in kicking off one of the most anticipated events of the year.

The enthusiastic crowd reflected the heart of Houston—families, businesses, and leaders coming together to celebrate a shared culture. Houston thrives on events like these, where the past and present meet to create lasting memories and strengthen the spirit of the city.

Supporting Mental Health Diversion

Council Member Carter was honored to join the Houston Public Library Foundation in delivering books to the Harris County Mental Health Jail Diversion Program, an initiative that provides vital resources to individuals seeking a new path forward. Access to educational materials plays a key role in rehabilitation, offering knowledge, inspiration, and tools for personal growth.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to mental health awareness, second chances, and community support, ensuring that individuals in diversion programs have opportunities to learn and rebuild. By investing in education and recovery, we are helping create a stronger, more inclusive Houston—one book at a time.

University of Houston:

Student Safety Emergency Town Hall

Important discussions were had at the University of Houston Student Safety Emergency Town Hall. Students, community leaders, and elected officials gathered to address urgent campus safety concerns. The event followed a series of violent crimes on campus, including a sexual assault at knifepoint and multiple armed robberies.

A key moment of the event was when the At-Large 3 team's intern, Nekane Diaz, spoke on behalf of students, passionately advocating for stronger safety measures. She was later interviewed by the Houston Chronicle, further amplifying the student perspective in the media. To read the full Houston Chronicle article, click here.

This conversation is far from over. The fight for meaningful safety improvements continues, and we remain committed to supporting UH students in their efforts to make their campus a safer place.

Coffee with the Council Member & Cops - District A

The At-Large 3 team had the pleasure of attending Coffee with Cops, hosted by District A Council Member Amy Peck and Northwest Station Captain Zachary Becker.

This event provided an open forum for residents to voice concerns, ask questions, and gain insight into how officers are working to keep their neighborhoods safe.

Events like these remind us that strong communities are built on communication and shared responsibility.

At the next Coffee with the Council Member & Cops, you can meet North Station Captain Watson. Click on the flyer below for details.

UTHealth Houston and Baylor College of Medicine collaborated on the first CDC Injury Control Research Center. The Violence and Injury Prevention Research (VIPR) Center is the only Injury Control Research Center in Texas with a focus on preventing adverse childhood and community experiences, violence across the lifespan, suicide, and firearm violence.

Celebrate Women's History Month at your local library. Visit with the author of the month or browse the calendar for local events.

In honor of Women's History Month, HPD is hosting Women Careers fairs! Click a date above for more information.

Join the Nation of Lifesavers today!

Visit their website to find a CPR course in your area.

March is Fraud Prevention Month

Financial crimes threaten the security of individuals and financial systems worldwide. These crimes often involve identity theft and fraud, with elderly victims losing an average of $34,200 dollars per reported case.

Follow these tips to protect yourself from financial crimes:

Monitor Your Accounts: regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
Safeguard Personal Information: Never share passwords, PINs, or Social Security numbers.
Stay Alert Online: Verify that websites are secure before entering personal information and void clicking on pop-up ads or suspicious links.
Educate Yourself and Others: Talk to your family about online scams and warning signs of fraud. Children and seniors are especially vulnerable to financial crimes.
Recognize Fraudulent Activity: If you notice missing bills, unfamiliar charges, or denied tax filings due to a duplicate return, act immediately.

Join Crime Stoppers of Houston Community Webinar for Financial Crime Prevention, March 11 at 11:00 a.m.

Click here to register or for more information.

VA wants Veterans to know they may qualify for special tax breaks and free assistance programs to help them navigate the filing process and maximize their returns.

For help filing your taxes, click here