Vol. 3, Issue 31 – 12.21.22
CITY OF HOUSTON WARMING CENTERS WILL OPEN THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Please take the time to check on friends, family, and your neighbors, especially the elderly as we prepare for inclement weather. The Office of Emergency Management will open five warming centers in preparation for freezing temperatures expected to arrive in Houston Thursday afternoon. Each center will offer chairs, blankets, water, MREs, PPE, and comfort kits. Because the City is not opening shelters, sleeping cots and hot meals will not be provided. Individuals may come and go as needed.

Individuals in need of transportation may call 311.

The following locations will open beginning Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 3 p.m.

Fonde Community Center 110 Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007
Moody Community Center 3725 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77009
Acres Homes MSC 6719 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77091
*Recovery Center for HPD use only 150 N Chenevert St, Houston, TX 77002
George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall B 1001 Avenida De Las Americas

The American Red Cross will work in partnership with the City to provide volunteers to staff the warming centers and to distribute blankets and comfort kits to individuals.The city is not encouraging individuals to bring pets. However, BARC will provide kennels at the Fonde Center and GRB. Service animals will be welcomed at all locations.

The Houston Police Department and homeless outreach teams from various, partner agencies of The Way Home (the Houston region’s homeless response system) will notify individuals experiencing homelessness of the impending freeze and the availability of warming centers.

In addition to the COH warming centers opening Thursday at 3 p.m., Greenhouse International Church, 200 W Greens Rd, 77067 will open TODAY/WEDNESDAY at 6 p.m. The church will provide 500 cots w/breakfast lunch and dinner plus showers.

 
HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS COLD WEATHER TIPS
To prevent potential water leaks due to frozen water pipes:
Before Freezing Weather
  • Wrap exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home
  • Remove garden hoses connected to outside faucets
  • Turn off sprinkler systems and make sure they are not broken
In Freezing Weather
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks next to outside walls
  • In unheated garages, shut off water to washing machines
  • Take extra precautions to protect pipes that have frozen in the past
 Not Going to Be Home?
  • Drain outside water faucets or leave home heating system on low
 

HOUSTON BARC TIPS

As freezing temperatures approach, remember: if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them! Bring your pets indoors if possible, during periods of severe weather and cold temperatures.
 
HELPFUL LINKS
DISTRICT F NEWS
TEAM UPDATE

The office will be closed during the following days:

  • Christmas Eve – Friday, December 23, 2022
  • Christmas – Monday, December 26, 2022
  • New Year’s Day – Monday, January 2, 2023

District F staff will be virtual now until January 3, 2023. Contact us at [email protected] or 832-393-3002.

 
HOT SPOT TEAM AND UNSHELTERED NEIGHBORS
There are many unsheltered neighbors in District F and Councilmember Thomas is working to get individuals indoors before the weather changes. If you identify locations of need, please send an email to [email protected] and include a photo (if you can).
 
SOLID WASTE OPERATIONS UPDATE

As of Wednesday, December 21, 2022

It’s the holiday season – indulge yourself in things that make you feel happy, relaxed, and stress-free. You can take a load off your mind by knowing your holiday collection schedule!

Please follow the link below to view the holiday schedule and remember to enable notifications via the app HTX Collects on your mobile device. http://bit.ly/3VmlirY

May be an image of text that says 'Christmas and New Years Collection Schedule City Houo Solid Waste Management Department WM CiyofHouston'

For more information on the Neighborhood Depository and Recycling Centers, please visit our website https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/depositories.html.

For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/houstonsolidwaste, and follow us on Twitter @HoustonTrash, or call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline. Download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again!

Facebook- Updated daily
Link: City of Houston Solid Waste Management – Posts | Facebook

HTX Collects- an app used to update you about your service in real-time. You can also use the link on the website to get an update.
Link: http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/htxcollects.html

 
SAVE THE DATE
ALIEF NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER OPENING
 
REMINDER: CDSF PROJECT NOTIFICATION
WORK AUTHORIZATION 1-3

Work Authorization #1 has been issued to remove and replace panels on Langdon Ln. from Wilcrest Dr. to Triola Ln. Work authorization #2 replaces sidewalks on Imperial Point Rd. from Sharpview Dr. to Triola Ln., and Work Authorization #3 replaces sidewalks on Baneway Dr. from Stroud Dr. to Carvel Ln.

Schedule

Work Authorization #1 January 3, 2023, to January 24, 2023
Work authorization #2 January 16, 2023, to February 28, 2023

Work Authorization #3 February 6, 2023, to March 23, 2023

 
IBN SINA FOUNDATION BREAKS GROUND
On December 20, 2022, Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Governor Greg Abbott, elected officials, and Ibn Sina Foundation board members as they broke ground on the new Ibn Sina Foundation Mental Wellness Center. This state-of-the-art facility, at the Wilcrest location, will include behavioral health professionals to offer culturally and linguistically competent services for uninsured, low-income, and underserved communities.
 
COUNCILMEMBER ATTENDS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

On Thursday, December 15, 2022, Councilmember Thomas supported the American Council of Engineers Houston Chapter at their annual holiday party and also attended a fundraiser for the Houston Musuem of African American Culture. She enjoyed each event with other elected officials including Councilmember Alcorn, Councilmember Huffman, and Rep. Ron Reynolds.

On December 14, 2022, she attended the Houston Arts Alliance holiday party alongside Mayor Turner and Councilmember Robinson. There she met with Lester Marks, Lauren Anderson, former principal dancer with the Houston Ballet, and artist Mark Francis, a native son of Alief and lovers of art and culture from throughout the city.

 
DISTRICT F STAFF ATTEND COMMUNITY EVENTS

December 12, 2022, was an eventful day for District F staff. Staff supported Councilmember Thomas and attended the groundbreaking of Wilcrest Park (now called Camden Park), participated in a virtual roundtable on housing and transportation code audit with the Houston AARP, and witnessed the unveiling of the Houston Public Library Gregory School Historical Marker.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

DISTRICT F COUNCIL ITEMS

December 14, 2022
Item #49
City Council adopted an ordinance to change the boundaries of Reinvestment Zone Number Twenty (Southwest Zone) by annexing approximately 1,673 acres of land into the Zone, comprised of approximately 1,113 acres of real property and approximately 560 acres of ROW.

Learn more here.

 
COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS DISCUSSES TIRZ DURING DECEMBER 14, 2022 COUNCIL SESSION
 
 
COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS PROVIDES COMMENTS ON ITEM 22 DURING DECEMBER 14, 2022 COUNCIL SESSION
 
 
COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS PROVIDES COMMENTS DURING POP OFF AT DECEMBER 14, 2022 COUNCIL SESSION
 
 
To View City Council Agendas
To Watch Videos of Previous City Council Meetings
 
COMMUNITY NEWS
SUBSCRIBE TO NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATES

Phone messages in English and Spanishnotify residents about city services,new programs & civic engagement opportunities

Voice/text messages a convenient servicefor residents without easy access to internet sources
The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) invites residents to subscribe to Neighborhood Updates to receive brief voice or text messages in Spanish or English about essential services and resources.
The messaging service is for everyone, especially for seniors and others who may not have easy access to online information, persons with disabilities who need information in audio or written format, and residents who prefer notices in Spanish.

 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS
Season’s Readings
December 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
1:00pm – 2:00pmHeart Gallery Houston
November 5, 2022 – February 2, 2023
Central Library, 1st Floor GalleryNew Henington-Alief Regional Library Grand Opening
Saturday, January 14, 2023
11:00am – 2:00pm
Henington – Alief Regional Library

RESOURCES

Water Bill Questions 

HTX Collects (Solid Waste App)

Trash Pick Up Dates

HPD Beat Map – Beats, districts and locations of HPD stations and storefronts

HPD Patrol Stations and StorefrontsAddress, phone number hours of operation and directions to patrol stations and storefronts.

To Report a Minor Crime (Theft or Property Damage, under $5000) click the link: https://www.houstontx.gov/police/online_report.htm

Citizens Patrol Information

Office of the Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee

BARC Information

Houston Public Library Events