Monthly Newsletter
August 7, 2020  Issue 92
Dear Residents of District E,
  
The beginning of August is well under way. The City of Houston announced two major programs for Houston businesses and residents. The programs assist our community as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a part of our day to day operation.

The first program is the City of Houston Small Business Economic Relief Program which will be funded with $15 million from the City's Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act 2020 funds. The program is for small businesses that are most in financial need and exhibit a moderate to high likelihood of  surviving the adverse impacts of the pandemic.

The maximum amount of funding available to a business or a chamber of commerce is $50,000. A business may use the funds for payroll, accounts payable, rent, mortgage, PPE for employees, marketing strategies, including creating an online presence in addition to other sales alternatives. Working with the City's Office of Business Opportunity (OBO), Houston Business Development, Inc. will administer the program and develop a marketing strategy, accept and process applications electronically, develop a scoring matrix and provide regular progress reporting and metrics to OBO. To learn more about the program and eligibility visit the City's website.

The second program is the second iteration of the City's Rental Relief program. This package includes an additional $15 million dollars from CARES and an additional $5 million from private donors. The City also plans to set aside money from Lone Star Legal Aid and or for those who need assistance but do not qualify for CARES Act dollars. Additionally, Mayor Turner has asked landlords to waive late fees and interest on late payments, agree to a payment plan and refrain from evictions through the end of September 2020. To learn more about this program you can get additional details here.

The City of Houston continues to be committed to assisting residents and businesses as best it can, while we continue to navigate new normal with COVID19, we encourage residents to be mindful and take precautions to stay healthy. 

The District E community has been hit hard by the loss of two Houston Firefighters assigned to Kingwood fire stations: Captain Leroy Lucio and Firefighter/Paramedic Gerardo "Jerry" Pacheco, as well as the loss of a Kingwood Police Officer's wife, Elizabeth Morales. I ask for you all to keep our first responders and their families in your prayers.


 
Sincerely,



Dave Martin
The District E Office
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
 
Contact Information
 Phone: (832) 393-3008
Fax: (832) 393-3279
 
District E Team

Jessica Beemer
Chief of Staff

Katherine Cunningham
Deputy Chief of Staff


Dustin Hodges
North Sector Manager

Mark Mitchell
South Sector Manager

City of Houston Contacts
 
(713) 837-0311
 
 
Mayor's Citizens
Assistance Office
(832) 393-0955
 
 
 
 

 
Kingwood Community Center
(281) 348-2570
 
 
 
 

 
  
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COVID Testing Locations

Governor Greg Abbott, today, announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has established four temporary COVID-19 surge testing sites in Harris County. Two testing sites in Houston and Pasadena began operations yesterday, and two testing sites in Houston and Kingwood will begin operations on Monday, August 10th.
 
Each location will be able to process 1,250 tests per day, or a total of 60,000 tests across the four sites. These testing sites have been established through a partnership with HHS Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Brett P. Giroir, MD, the State of Texas, Harris County, and the City of Houston. Registration is required before visiting a testing site.
 
Once registered, by visiting https://www.doineedacovid19test.com/, you will receive a voucher, which you should bring to the testing site. If you cannot print, a voucher will be created for you at the site.
 
Testing locations currently open:
Ken Pridgeon Stadium
11355 Falcon Road
Houston, TX 77065
 
San Jacinto College
8060 Spencer Hwy
Pasadena, TX 77505
 
Testing locations opening August 10th:
Darrell Tully Stadium
1050 Dairy Ashford
Houston, TX 77079
 
Kingwood Park Community Center
4102 Rustic Woods Drive
Kingwood, TX 77345
 
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact the Governor's Press Office at (512) 463-1826.
District E South Sector Manager

The District E office welcomes our newest team member, Mark Mitchell, who is now the South Sector Manager for District E. 

Mark is lifelong Houstonian; he was born and raised in the South Belt-Ellington area.  After graduating from Texas A&M at Galveston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology, he went into the oil and gas industry. After spending time in the Veterinary medicine industry, and the construction industry, Mark has come home and is looking forward to serving his community and becoming part of the District E Team. We're happy to have him!

Welcome, Mark!
Progress on Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates)

In August of 2019 the clock for Phase I of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates) started with the award of a Hazard Mitigation Grant through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in the amount of $47,170,953 for the City of Houston Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project  (Federal Share $35,378,214.75, Non-Federal Share $11,792,738.25).  This award is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 404, and 44 CFR Part 206.434.
 
The first phase of this project is currently underway. The design contract for Phase I was awarded during the Coastal Water Authority's April 8 meeting. 

The preliminary engineering study started in July and the Hydrology and Hydraulics study is expected to be complete by this October along with the environmental assessment. Overall the first phase of this project is expected to be completed by Fall 2020 but extensions may be necessary depending on the results of environmental assessment and impact studies. 

The City of Houston will front all costs for the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project and submit reimbursement requests to the Texas Division of Emergency Management on a monthly basis. 
 
Once Phase I of the project is complete the City of Houston will renew the cost-benefit analysis and submit to FEMA for their review. Upon their review of the completed cost-benefit analysis after Phase I completion, the additional funds provided to the state of Texas for this project will be made available for reimbursement to the City for completion of Phase II construction. The two phases of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project are expected to be completed within 36 months, with the possibility of an extension if needed.
 
As updates for this project become available the District E Office will notify residents utilizing the office newsletter and social media platforms. If you do not already, please follow   @cmdavemartin on Twitter and like   Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Facebook Page.
HCFCD - San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan Virtual Meeting

The San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan (SJMDP), led by the Harris County Flood Control District, along with local partners Montgomery County, the City of Houston, and the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), will host a virtual public meeting on August 13, 2020. The purpose of the virtual public meeting is to provide information about study progress and encourage public participation and input in the SJMDP. 
 
The SJMDP study effort began in April 2019 to identify future flood mitigation projects that can be implemented in the near- and long-term to reduce flood risks to people and property throughout the San Jacinto River regional watershed. The SJMDP study area covers nearly 3,000 square miles located in seven different counties and includes approximately 535 miles of stream.
 
The SJMDP is jointly funded with 75 percent from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Planning Program and 25 percent from the four local partners. Overall, the SJMDP aims to provide an up-to-date technical basis to identify flooding vulnerabilities for existing infrastructure and impacts from future growth to improve flood resiliency within the watershed. The SJMDP is scheduled for completion in fall 2020. 
 
Community engagement is an important component of the Bond Program, and we invite your participation as the program is implemented. The virtual community engagement meeting will be held on:
 
Thursday, August 13, 2020
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 
Or by phone at 855-925-2801 with Meeting Code: 9742 
 
The meeting will begin with a brief presentation to share project updates, followed by a moderated Q&A session with Flood Control District team members. Residents will be able to submit questions and comments throughout the presentation. Any comments not addressed during the Q&A session will receive a response after the event. 
 
A recorded version of the meeting will be available on the Flood Control District's website and YouTube channel after the event. Meeting accommodations can be made for those with disabilities. If needed, please contact 346-286-4152 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. 
 
For questions, please contact the Flood Control District at 346-286-4152, or complete the online comment form. Comments may also be mailed to the Harris County Flood Control District, 9900 Northwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77092, Attn: San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan. For more information about the San Jacinto Regional Watershed Master Drainage Plan, visit www.sanjacstudy.org. 
Texans Recovering Together COVID Resources
Texans Recovering Together is a Crisis Counseling Program that offers crisis counseling, community outreach, local referrals and resources, linkage and psycho-education to individuals, families, and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their mission is to ensure that all Texans affected in Harris County will regain a sense of normalcy and recover stronger than ever!

All services offered are free. The Crisis Counseling Program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency also known as (FEMA). FEMA is partnered with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Available services include: 
  • Crisis Counseling and Intervention- Aiming to reduce the intensity of an individual's emotional, mental, physical and behavioral reactions to COVID-19.
  • Education and Awareness- Educating individuals and the community on COVID-19
  • Resource Referrals- Providing individuals with community resources, assisting with immediate and unmet needs.
  • Skill Building- Providing individual/ group sessions and assisting individuals with information on what to expect following a traumatic event.
  • Grief and Loss- Offering encouragement and support to individuals with residual grief and loss of loved ones. 

For more information call 833-927-1806 or email TRT@theharriscenter.org. 
West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge Repairs Underway

Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood and Lake Houston area residents aware Houston Public Works is conducting the final repair project on the West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge which began Monday, August 3. The project consists of repairing bents 25-28 underneath the bridge. The cost of the project is $4,385,197 and will be funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund. The contractor for the project is NBG Contracting, Inc. The work is expected to be completed by Saturday, January 9, 2021 weather permitting.
 
Work began Monday, August 3, at 7:00 a.m. by closing of the outer lanes of the bridge. Two-way traffic will be maintained on the inner lanes. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Crews will occasionally work from Sunday at 5:00 p.m. though Monday at 5:00 a.m. when work requires closure of one side of the bridge. During these occasional work hours,  pedestrian sidewalks along both sides of the bridge will be barricaded and closed for safety.

Please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones in place on-site assisting with traffic flow through the construction zone. All lanes of the bridge and pedestrian sidewalks will reopen following the completion of the project on Saturday, January 9, weather permitting.
 
This project follows the completion of repairs done by Houston Public Works this spring and the temporary repairs last October after three bearing pads slipped from their concrete beams. The work completed this month are the final repairs needed for the bridge to ensure the longevity of the infrastructure. 
Easthaven Boulevard Overlay Project

Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin is pleased to announce Houston Public Works crews are performing an asphalt overlay along Easthaven Boulevard from College Avenue to the Gulf Freeway. Construction began on Monday, August 3, 2020 and is expected to be complete by September 7, 2020, weather permitting. Mayor Pro Tem Martin has allocated $95,765.00 from his Council District Service Funds for this project. 

The scope of work includes resurfacing the asphalt street. This process includes milling off approximately 2 inches old asphalt, repairing the base as needed, spraying tack coat and overlaying 2 inches of new asphalt surface pavement.

Crews are expected to work between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please note that one lane will be closed at a time on a continuous basis until the project is completed. Expect a slight increase in traffic congestion for the north bound lane throughout the duration of the project. As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of the flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be in place to help with traffic flow through the construction zone. The map below shows the project limits outlined in red.
Planning Department Update - Identification of Flood Prone Areas on General Plan

Flooding events have been increasingly severe in the City of Houston and our region. The 2018 amendment to Chapter 19 City of Houston Code of Ordinances mandated that it was necessary to evaluate development within the 100-year and 500-year floodplains to protect investments made by residents and business owners in real property within the City. Harris County and others have developed their own needs in improving the drainage in their regions.
 
To mitigate and reduce the risk of flood loss for future development, the 100-year, 500-year floodplains and floodway will be required to be identified on all General Plans submitted to the Department with the Plat Tracker application. Applicants will be required to graphically depict the location of the floodplains and or floodway on their General Plans and provide related note.
 
This information must be provided as part of initial submittal of a General Plan for Planning Commission consideration. The General Plan application will be marked incomplete if this information is not included as part of the initial submittal.
 
HOW TO ILLUSTRATE
 
The way to depict this information correctly is to go to the FEMA website. Enter the address, place, or coordinates. The site will produce a map that will identify whether the property is located in the 100-year, 500-year flood plains or floodway. Provide a dashed line on your General Plan identifying the 100-year, 500-year flood plains or floodway as depicted on the FEMA map.
 
GENERAL PLAN RELATED NOTE
 
Also, include on the face of the General Plan the following related note as follows: Portions of the property included in this General Plan lie within the known floodway and the 100 and 500-year floodplains. As each section or parcel is platted and developed, the then-current standards of City of Houston [or if ETJ: Harris County] drainage, elevation, and building regulations must be adhered to. 

Additional information can be found on the Planning Department website. 
Forest Cove SWAT Project Underway

Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin is pleased to announce a roadside ditch rehabilitation project conducted by the Storm Water Action Team (SWAT) in Forest Cove, began Monday, July 27, 2020. The project area includes Cypress Lane and Palmetto Lane. The map below shows the project limits highlighted in red. The scope of work includes: 
  • Regrading and re-establishing of the roadside ditches
  • Replacing of the culverts and resetting them to match the flow line of the ditch
  • Replacing the driveway where the culverts are replaced
  • Increasing the capacity of any culverts less than 24 inches in diameter
  • Removing any unpermitted culverts or other encroachments in the City Right of Way. 
Crews will be on site working Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the work is expected to be complete by November 24, weather permitting. Construction will not impact any water or sewer services. 
 
One lane adjacent to the work zone may be closed during construction. Temporary loss of driveway access, lane closures, construction noise and debris, and limited roadside parking are possible while the project is being completed. 
 
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project will require one lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times, and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
Wald Road Ditch Rehabiliation Project

Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin is pleased to announce a roadside ditch rehabilitation project to be conducted by the City of Houston Storm Water Action Team (SWAT) on the Wald Road Intersection with Palmdate Street, will begin Monday, August 10, 2020. This project will cost $266,280.00 and is funded through the District E SWAT fund.

Crews will be on site working Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The work is expected to be complete by November 8th, 2020. Construction will not impact any water or sewer services.

One lane adjacent to the work zone may be closed during construction. Temporary loss of driveway access, lane closures, construction noise and debris, and limited roadside parking are possible while the project is being completed. As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones will be put in place to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected. The map below shows the project limits outlined in red.
Sherwood Trails Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Update

Houston Public Works began a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project in Sherwood Trails on Monday, March 9. The purpose of the project is to improve flow and maintain community property. A trenchless method will be used to minimize excavation at the construction site.
 
The rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer lines will be done through Sliplining and Pipe Bursting Methods. Pipe bursting is a trenchless method of replacing buried pipelines (such as sewer, water, or natural gas pipes) without the need for a traditional construction trench. An expanding device called an expander head, which may be either pneumatic or hydraulic is, introduced into the defective pipeline through a launching pit. As it travels through the pipeline toward the receiving pit it breaks the pipe into many small pieces, pushing the pieces into the surrounding soil. New pipe is attached to the back of the expander head, replacing the line immediately.
 
So far, crews have completed approx. 15, 483 linear feet of 8" pipe bursting on Hermitage Hollow Lane, Tinechester Drive, Shadbury Court, Friarwood Trail, Stagdon Drive, Meandering Trail, Sherwood Hollow Lane, Chanay Lane, Sweet Gum Trail, Longleaf Pines Lane and Foliage Green Lane. Crews have completed all 4,895 linear feet of 21" CIPP. The project is 58% completetion date and is anticipated to take 6-8 months to complete. Construction activities are expected to take place 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Monday-Thursday. The contractor will be placing door hangers on each door at least 48 hours prior to construction beginning on the respective street. These door hangers contain important information about what to expect when construction does take place on your street.
 
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected.  Residents may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area. 
City of Houston Announces "More Space" Program

This week, Mayor Sylvester Turner and City Council members approved the new More Space program to help restaurants accommodate more customers while maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The new program allows any restaurant to convert 50% of its off-street parking spaces to serve customers. This expanded outdoor dining space will enhance business and operations for restaurants and allow Houstonians to patronize businesses while following strict health and safety guidance.

The City's Planning and Development Department led the multi-departmental effort with input from several Management Districts, individual restaurants, and an array of stakeholders. The City developed the program to accommodate additional capacity for guests looking to dine outdoors.

The program includes the following guidelines:
  • Allow each restaurant to convert up to 50% of its off-street parking to space for serving food (serving only, not food storage or preparation).
  • This program would be entirely voluntary. Restaurants may opt-in but not required to participate.
  • Social distancing rules (6-foot spacing) would still apply.
  • Driveway access, pedestrian access, and ADA-spaces must remain. The program will last through COVID-19 space restrictions.
  • The overall program and/or individual sites will be revocable at any time if safety concerns are identified.
To make this program as effective as possible and minimize the process, restaurant owners who would like to participate must submit a Notification Form to track program participation. This will help the City receive feedback on the program and learn from it in the future.
 
The More Space program became effective on August 5, 2020. Restaurants seeking to participate in the program can complete and submit the Notification Form, as well as find more information here: http://houstontx.gov/planning/MoreSpace.html.
Mouth-Bar Dredging Update

In January, the City of Houston issued a  Notice To Proceed (NTP)  for debris removal services, specifically large silt deposits, at the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, commonly referred to as the "mouth bar". The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), began mechanical dredging of the mouth bar in January. The total cost for this project is $40 million, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program.
 
DRC is invoicing the City of Houston in accordance with rates established and approved by the city to include final disposal. DRC must comply with all terms and provisions established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relative to disaster debris collections, temporary storage, and final disposal. The grant application for this project was submitted to the TWDB by Harris County Engineer, John Blount. Harris County is collaborating closely with HCFCD, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), and the City of Houston on this crucial project.
 
DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. The first phase will remove accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, and the second phase will remove accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed over twelve months. To date, DRC has removed approximately 240,080 cubic yards of material. 

Phase two of the project will consist of: 1) Harris County completing hydrographic surveys of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, and Lake Houston to determine dredge material volumes 2) the City of Houston advertising and awarding a dredging contract to the lowest responsive bidder 3) Harris County designating the City of Houston as a sub-recipient for the cost of the dredging contract. Phase two will run simultaneously with Phase One to expedite our activity. 

Additionally, during phase two of the project City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) will develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging operations on Lake Houston. This work effort will include determining funding for the dredging operations in perpetuity. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021. This grant funding was made possible thanks to State Representative Dan Huberty (District 127) through the passage of Senate Bill 500 .
 
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty for his commitment to seeing this project through and his dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston. Representative Huberty has been a champion for his residents and a great ally in seeing these additional dredging efforts come to fruition.
Crime Stoppers Virtual Summer Programs

Though COVID-19 has disrupted countless summer plans Crime Stoppers is adapting to fit the needs of the community and is thrilled to bring you their nationally-recognized programming straight to you through ZOOM.

Summer programs include: Critical Conversations that S.A.V.E Lives in Partnership with The Texas Education Agency (TEA) for educators, administration; law enforcement Safe School Institute (SSI) Summer Camp for kids, tweens and teens; and Safe Community Program (SCP) and Events for parents and community members. 

To participate, browse their calendar here and click the "register here!" button to sign up for the presentation that interests you. If you have any questions please reach out via email. 
Woodland Ridge, Forest Shores, and Golf Course Lift Station Force Main Replacement Projects

Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood area residents aware Houston Public Works is conducting a Force Main Renewal and Replacement Project for the Woodland Ridge, Forest Shores and Golf Course Lift Stations. All three projects consist of replacing the wastewater force mains that run towards the respective lift stations. Woodland Ridge project runs along Kingwood Drive from West Lake Houston Parkway to Forest Garden Drive. The Forest Shores project runs from Woodland Hills Drive to Forest Shores Drive. The Golf Course Project stretches from Valley Manor Drive to Laurel Trail Drive and down Pine Bend Drive. Please see project maps below for a better understanding of the project limits for each area.
 
Crews began Monday, May 11 on the Woodland Ridge portion of the project and is expected to finish those improvements in early August. The Forest Shores lift station improvements began July 2 with expected completion by Friday, September 4, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Golf Course lift station improvements began more recently on July 20 with expected completion by Friday, March 19, 2021, weather permitting. Construction activities for the Golf Course lift station improvements are expected to take place Monday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
 
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project will require one lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times, and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
Liftoff Houston

Applications are now open for Liftoff Houston, the City of Houston's annual business plan competition sponsored by Capital One Bank and administered by the Houston Public Library (HPL) and the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO). Winners in three categories - Service, Product and Innovation - will each receive $10,000 in seed money from Capital One Bank. This year, due to COVID-19 concerns, all Liftoff Houston events will be held in a virtual format.

The competition, which launched on July 9 and takes place through Pitch Day on Nov. 7, allows participants access to tools, resources and support that will help them develop a sound business plan for their startups. Winners will be selected during Pitch Day, after contestants present their business plans to a panel of judges. Prior to Pitch Day, participants will attend required workshops that will cover topics such as business plan basics, raising capital, marketing and information about City of Houston business resources. 

New this year is the Liftoff Houston Educational Pathway, where participants who do not qualify to compete can still take advantage of the business education opportunities provided by the program. Participants who attend all required workshops under the Educational Pathway will receive a certificate of completion.
To qualify as a contestant for Liftoff Houston, applicants must live and operate their business within the Houston city limits. The business should be for-profit, in operation for less than one year, and have verifiable revenue that does not exceed $10,000. Winners have included businesses in retail, merchandise, labor, consulting, software, hardware, market businesses, hospitality, tourism, health and fitness, education, finance, technology and logistics. Click here to see a list of past winners. 

Application deadline for Liftoff Houston is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10. Orientation is required for all contestants and those who would like to participate in the Educational Pathway. Click here to access the application form or e-mail liftoffhouston@houstontx.gov for more information. Also follow @LiftoffHouston on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates. 
The Village Learning Center Blood Drive

Did you know that we are facing a blood shortage because of the Coronavirus pandemic? The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center reached out to the Village Learning Center and asked for help to meet our community hospitals' needs. 

The Village will be hosting a blood drive in their gym at The Village Activity & Multi-Purpose Center- 3838 Plum Valley (Stacey's) on Friday, August 14, from 9:45 to 3:00.
 
The GCRBC will book appointments 15 minutes apart, and all of the donation units will be spread throughout the gym for social distancing. Each donor will receive a Blood Drive Beach Towel and a FREE COVID-19 Antibody Test. To participate, click here.
Yes to Census!

Residents of District E don't forget to fill out your Census form before August 14!

The Census is a population count required by the constitution that occurs every ten years to ensure the government represents the people. It is crucial in determining how resources will be allocated to our communities. The Census Bureau will record every person's name, age, race, residential status and relationship between those living in the same household as of April 1st.
 
This will determine how states will go about the redistricting process, ensuring that every district has an equal number of people and are reflective and representative of the electorate. Proper representation across all levels of government depends on filling out the Census.
 
Over the next decade billions of dollars will be distributed throughout the states to our communities to fund hundreds of federal spending programs these include transportation services, community development block grants, and healthcare services. Ensuring that our communities get their fair share is up to us!
 
Nearly every household will receive an invitation in the mail to fill out the Census which can be responded to by mail, phone, or online. This form is to be filled out by August 14th. 
 
Having the Census online will make it easier and more comfortable for everyone to fill out. Make sure you are counted so that you and your community are properly represented and your needs are met!
 
Go to 2020Census.gov for more information.
My Home is Here Survey

Rice University has been enlisted to conduct a research study on housing, affordability, and access by Harris County in the region. This effort, known as "My Home is Here," will help us to better understand the complexities around homes for all residents of Harris County and the City of Houston. 

To complete the survey, click here. 
Mental Health Resource Guide

It is important to remember to take care of ourselves, particularly during an ongoing pandemic and stressful time. Vice Mayor Pro Tem Casex-Tatum has compiled a list of resources to address the spectrum of concerns during and post disaster. 

For multiple resources throughout the Greater Houston Area, click here.