Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | December 2023

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 8 DEC. 6, 2023JAN. 9, 2024

Members of the Houston City Council met Nov. 15. A ballot proposition approved by voters Nov. 7 will provide more power to council members to place items on the city’s weekly agendas.

SHAWN ARRAJJCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Election results to bring new dimensions to Houston governance

say in regional planning eorts; however, open- ended ballot language, an upcoming negotiation process and complex legal factors cloud what may come from the voter-approved change.

Council members more power to place items on the council’s weekly agendas, moving away from the existing system where only the mayor can set agenda items. The second proposition could give the city more

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

Houston voters passed two ballot propositions during the Nov. 7 election that stand to have an impact on regional planning and city governance. The rst proposition will give Houston City

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: Lululemon opens in Rice Village (Page 6)

Transportation: Westridge residents seek street xes (Page 12)

Community: Local volunteer opportunities (Page 21)

Business: Formal wear shop caters to men’s style (Page 23)

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THE HEIGHTS

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Impacts

• Opened Aug. 4 • www.resumeandcoffee.com

POST OAK BLVD.

Coming soon

W E S T H E I M E R R

9 8 6

7 Heyday The national facial studio and skin care retail shop offers customized 50-minute facials to clients under the scope of professional estheticians. The brand offers facials—such as light therapy, peels and gua sha—as well as microdermabrasion and other treatments. Heyday’s shop includes products from brands such as Supergoop!, Dr. Loretta, Tata Harper, Image Skincare, Osea, Ursa Major and Moon Juice. • Opening Dec. 9 • 5103 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 150, Bellaire • www.heydayskincare.com

4 5

I C

MORNINGSIDE DR.

West University Place

HERMANN PARK

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

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W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

Bellaire

Relocations

288

8 Saint Laurent After undergoing renovations in 2022, the French luxury fashion brand has reopened in a new spot on the first floor of The Galleria mall, near Neiman Marcus. The brand offers a range of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear options as well as leather goods, shoes, jewelry and eyewear. • Reopened Oct. 18 • 5015 Westheimer Road, Level 1, Houston • www.ysl.com

BEECHNUT ST.

Meyerland

BRAYS BAYOU

4 Lululemon The store—one of several new shops announced for Rice Village—offers the brand’s signature items, including activewear, loungewear and footwear. In-store services include hemming, returns and exchanges, according to the store’s website. • Opened Nov. 10 • 2560 University Blvd., Houston • https://shop.lululemon.com/stores/us/ houston/rice-village 5 Mizzen+Main The athletic dress shirt maker opened a new storefront in Rice Village as part of an expansion in the Houston area. The performance menswear brand offers outerwear, golf and other apparel lines. • Opened Nov. 10 • 2548 University Blvd., Houston • www.mizzenandmain.com 6 Alo Yoga The Los Angeles-based yoga apparel brand offers leggings, sweatpants, shirts, shorts, dresses and onesies. Other accessories include hats, sneakers, yoga mats, bags, socks and hair accessories. The new store can be found on Level 1 of The Galleria mall, near Galleria Financial Center. • Opened Nov. 16 • 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.aloyoga.com Resume + Coffee Karen Jackson Consulting offers resume consulting in the Greater Houston area and specializes in making custom resumes. The business also offers career planning consultations, interview preparation and cover letter guidance. Clients have the option to meet Jackson in person at a local coffee shop or remotely for consultations.

Now open

Expansions

1 TMC3 Collaborative Building TMC Helix Park, the $1.5 billion medical research campus within the Texas Medical Center that’s positioned around a double-helix-shaped green space, opened two projects within its 37-acre campus in October: The TMC3 Collaborative Building and six public parks that span more than half of the entire campus. The collaborative building incorporates research initiatives from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Texas Medical Center hospital systems. • Opened Oct. 26 • 1885 Old Spanish Trail, Houston • www.tmc.edu/tmchelixpark 2 The Opportunity Center The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department repurposed its community center in the Gulfton area. It’s focused on educational and vocational training opportunities as well as comprehensive support services for justice-involved youth and the broader community. The space features school classrooms, learning labs and vocational workshops. • Opened Nov. 3 3 Amiri The luxury brand opened a store in The Galleria mall in late October on the mall’s second level, near Neiman Marcus. It offers menswear, womenswear, children’s clothing and accessories with Americana and California lifestyle design elements. • Opened Oct. 20 • 5015 Westheimer Road, Ste. A3401, Houston • www.amiri.com • 6500 Chimney Rock Road, Houston • https://hcjpd.harriscountytx.gov

9 Gucci The Galleria’s outpost is undergoing a renovation and expansion. The Italy-based brand offers clothing, leather goods, jewelry and eyewear. It will reopen as a two-story boutique in fall 2024, and guests can visit a temporary space over the holiday season on Level 2 near the Westin Oaks Hotel and Neiman Marcus. • Reopening fall 2024 • 5015 Westheimer Road, Levels 1-2, Houston • www.gucci.com 10 Black Walnut Cafe The location in Rice Village reopened in early October as Black Walnut Kitchen & Bar, with a renovated dining space and new menus. Renovations included a widened covered patio, brighter ambiance in the dining room, and new furnishings and fixtures. New menu items include the lobster truffle pasta, beef and lamb bolognese, spindle- spun shakes and housemade vanilla bean ice cream. • Reopened Oct. 9 • 5510 Morningside Drive, Ste. 150, Houston • www.blackwalnutcafe.com

In the news

11 Beauty Shop Bellaire The beauty shop celebrated one year in business in October. Customers can purchase personal hygiene and makeup products. Products includes body, skin, hair, makeup and wellness items for both men and women.

• 5202 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.beautyshopbellaire.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ASIA ARMOUR, SHAWN ARRAJJ & MELISSA ENAJE

Coming soon

Now open

12 Tsao Cha The national chain serving bubble tea and desserts, is opening a location in West University Place along Kirby Drive. The Chinese tea shop will also serve fried chicken and waffles alongside the natural teas made with fresh fruit ingredients. • Opening in March 2024 • 5812 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.tsaocaatea.com

13 The Grand Nails of America The new nail shop spans 8,150 square feet and features a color wall with nearly 3,000 polish selections, making it the largest salon from the Houston-based beauty brand. Services include manicures, pedicures, waxes and lash extensions.

• Opened Nov. 12 • 5144 Richmond Ave., Houston • www.thegrandnailsofamerica.com

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Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & JESSICA SHORTEN

Local governments are now looking to obligate and use any remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds before an upcoming December 2024 federal deadline. Counties received lump distributions of federal funding in 2021 to ll public revenue losses, invest in broadband and other infrastructure projects, and provide additional pay for essential workers, according to the U.S. Department of Treasury in a news release. Three of the counties which received funding in the Houston area include: • Harris: $915.5 million • Montgomery: $117.9 million • Fort Bend: $157.6 million Any funding not obligated by December 2024 and spent by the end of 2025 must be returned to the U.S. Treasury. County ocials must decide how to use remaining funding and continue supporting pandemic-era programs and employees. Counties balance ARPA shortfalls

ARPA funding allocations

Allocated

Unallocated

AS OF NOVEMBER

Harris County

Montgomery County

Fort Bend County

$158M

$7.4M

$40M

$915.5M Total

$117.9M Total

$157.6M Total

$757M

$110.5M

$117.3M

Jobs and education Housing Health Justice and safety

County operations

Remaining

$227.3M

$192.8M

$141.5M

Harris County

$147.5M

$47.5M

$158M

$39.8M

$42.4M

$2.9M

Montgomery County

$13.2M $11.6M

$7.4M

County ocials divided ARPA funding to meet the prioritized needs of each county.

$56.3M

$27.7M

Fort Bend County

$31.8M

$1.4M

$40M

SOURCES: HARRIS, MONTGOMERY, FORT BEND COUNTIESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Zooming in

What the experts say

Stay tuned

One of the major expenses counties may need to cover are employees funded by ARPA. In all three counties, a number of employees were hired for positions on mental health teams, law enforce- ment and general infrastructure projects, such as a $21 million contract in Montgomery County to reopen a Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare center and a contract to expand the Harris County jail- based competency restoration program. During scal year 2023-24 budget workshops, all three counties outlined how to spend the remaining funds on new projects and infrastruc- ture eorts, while also considering the salaries which may need to be absorbed by the counties or eliminated once funding is depleted. According to ocials in each county, Harris County’s remaining funds are being targeted toward additional aordable housing eorts. Montgomery County reserved roughly $2 million to fund another year of salaries for ARPA-based employees. Fort Bend County pushed to help additional small businesses with employee funding and grants.

James Thurmond, professor at Hobby School of Public Aairs, said the one-time federal payout was historic for counties and provided an easy way to ll budget holes without requesting additional tax dollars. While ARPA funding was intended to help replace lost public sector revenue to counties, the responsibility of monitoring any budget decits with county funds fell to the counties themselves.

During the FY 2024-25 budget workshops next year, ocials with Harris and Montgomery counties said they will need to discuss employee and program needs to determine whether positions and programs have to be cut or if they can be sustained on county budgets or grants.

ARPA funding deadlines

December 2024: Deadline to allocate remaining funds December 2025: Deadline to spend remaining funds December 2026: Deadline to have all unused funding returned to Treasury

“You just need to be aware when you create a new demand or a new service, is it sustainable with your

current revenue? If it’s not sustainable, then what do you cut? “ JAMES THURMOND, PROFESSOR, UH HOBBY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Government

THE GIFT

Members of the Houston City Council approved a development agreement Nov. 8 with the nonprofit Covenant House that includes the sale of an aban- doned alley near Lovett Boule- vard in Montrose. What happened Covenant House works to help homeless youth. Officials broke ground in March on a new facility at Lovett and Yoakum Houston sells alleyway to Covenant House

L O V E T T B L V D .

ALLEY

HAWTHORNE ST.

boulevards that will allow for a 50% increase in the number of homeless youth who can be sheltered. The alley runs through the center of the site. Houston will sell the alley for $590,072. Covenant House will pay the city $100,000 over the next five years, and the remain- ing $490,072 will be paid in nonmonetary compensation.

CALL TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE SHOWING OF YOUR NEW HOME TODAY.

Often our residents tell me that one of the greatest gifts they ever gave themselves or their family was moving to The Tradition. Here is what one of our residents has to say about the ease of living here: “The Tradition – I just wish it had been here when my mother came for me to take care of her and there wasn’t anything as nice. It is beautiful, everybody is friendly, they keep it up beautifully, they take care of you, they really care, and it just has all the amenities. And I will say that it is doing my kids a favor.” THE GIFT to you – that allows you the time and energy to explore, engage and enjoy this vibrant lifestyle. THE GIFT to your family – who will not worry about your well- being, security, and happiness. I hope that you will consider giving The Gift ® to yourself or to your family and join us at The Tradition. Please make an appointment to tour our beautiful Community, meet residents firsthand and learn more. I look forward to welcoming you home!

Bellaire restricts parking outside park

Bellaire City Council members adopted an ordinance Nov. 7 restricting parking on a portion of a residential street outside Evelyn’s Park, leaving a pathway open for nearby property owners to petition for similar ordinances

CAMELLIA LN.

EVELYN'S PARK CONSERVANCY

in the future. The overview

BELLAIRE BLVD.

More than half a dozen Bellaire property owners spoke in favor of the ordinance during the meeting, citing safety and traffic concerns caused by overflow parking from Evelyn’s Park. At least one homeowner from each of the 14 households on the 4400 block of Camellia Lane signed a petition to bring the ordinance before City Council. With the ordinance’s approval, each household will receive five permits allowing parking on the block. Vehicles found violating the new restrictions will be subject to a fine of up to $200. How we got here A request for permit parking along the 4400 block of Camellia

Lane was previously considered by council members shortly after Evelyn’s Park opened in 2017. Council members voted down the measure at that time, noting it was too early to determine how overflow parking would affect nearby properties. What’s next Although council members acknowledged the new ordinance could cause cars to park farther down the road, they said those property owners would be afforded the same opportunity to petition for a similar ordinance in the future.

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RESIDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE TRADITION.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ, MELISSA ENAJE & WESLEY GARDNER

Harris County approves $863M flood agreement Harris County commissioners approved an agreement with the Texas General Land Office Oct. 31 for a combined $863 million in grant fund- ing to the Harris County Flood Control District that will be allocated for flood-risk reduction projects associated with the 2018 flood control district bond program. Explained June 6 Harris County commissioners approve application to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for disaster recovery funding. July 18

Harris County awards child care grants Harris County commissioners awarded five organizations a combined $18.8 million in grants Oct. 31 to improve child care quality over the next three years. The new initiative is called Early Learning Quality Networks and was fully funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds. The impact A July report by nonprofit Children at Risk found one-third of all ZIP codes in Texas qualify as child care deserts, meaning there are at least three times more children eligi- ble for early child care than the number of available seats. Children at Risk is one of the five groups to receive funds, alongside the East Harris County Empowerment Council, VN Teamwork, YMCA of Greater Houston and Harris County Public Library.

Commissioners authorize the Harris County Flood Control District to work with the state on a direct allocation of $502.5 million . During negotiations, an additional $39.35 million was offered by the GLO, resulting in the total allocation of $541.85 million .

Two grants were approved, and each grant has different mandated completion dates, according to court documents. The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is administered by the GLO. • Projects funded by a $322 million grant must be completed by March 31, 2026. • Projects funded by a $541 million grant must be completed by March 31, 2028.

Oct. 31

Commissioners approve the combined $863.88 million in federal funds, including a past allocation of $322.03 million in Community Development Block grants.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Transportation

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

Construction on a sewer line improvement proj- ect is slated to begin in early 2024 in the Westridge neighborhood in Houston, and city ocials added plans in November for street improvements in the area following an outcry from local residents. The overview Construction on the $6.5 million trunk line rehabilitation project is slated to run through the spring of 2025, according to information from the Houston Public Works Department. Work will entail relining a 120-inch trunk sewer along a city drainage easement. The backstory Earlier iterations of the drainage project dating back to 2013 would’ve involved building a new drainage system under each street within the neighborhood and improving those streets as part of the process. However, when new rainfall data was incorporated into the drainage analysis, HPW ocials said building under the street no longer provided enough drainage benets to justify the project. Plans were adjusted, and street improve- ments were removed from the project scope. What they’re saying Some Westridge residents said they were blindsided by the change in project scope, and called on the city to put the street improvements back into the plan. Resident Lynn Chorn said she believes streets conditions are dangerous to walk on, especially for older and disabled residents. In November, HPW ocials announced two Westridge locals seek street xes

Street cracks in the Westridge community have residents ghting for improvements they claim are long overdue.

SHAWN ARRAJJCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Westridge improvement project Westridge sewer improvements Street improvements subproject 1

subprojects to remove and replace curb, gutter and driveway aprons; remove and replace inlets; add new sidewalks; add a new streetlight system; and add new concrete pavement. What’s next The rst street subproject targets the northern portion of the community, and construction could start in the spring of 2026. Construction could start on the second project in spring of 2028. Residents Chorn, Melissa Schafer and Georgia Bouchoustos, who were among those calling for street improve- ments, said they appreciated the update, but remained concerned about work still being years away from the initial proposal.

Street improvements subproject 2

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Real estate

Number of homes sold

October 2022

October 2023

Residential market data

21 24

28 19

+14.3%

-32.1%

77005

77096

The number of homes sold rose in 77005 and 77401 ZIP codes—covering West University Place and Bellaire areas, respectively—when comparing October 2023 with the previous year.

22 8

9 15

-63.6%

+66.7%

77025

77401

5 2

-60%

77030

610

Median home sales price

2022

2023

77005

+6.1%

$1,701,850

$1,604,222

288

77025

-16.1%

$362,500

$432,000

77005 77096

77025 77401

77030

+33.5%

$1,650,000

$1,236,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 WWW.SPARROW-REALTY.COM

77096

-9.4%

$370,000

$408,500

77401

-27.5%

$871,500

$1,202,050

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Election results to bring new dimensions to Houston governance From the cover

Proposition A Results

Proposition B Results

Two-minute impact

Against: 35%

For: 83.1%

Against: 16.9% For: 65%

The two ballot propositions—commonly referred to as propositions A and B—both passed with approval of at least 65% of Houston voters. Proposition A requires the city to amend its charter to allow any member of the 16-member Houston City Council to place items on the agenda as long as they have support of at least two other council members. District C council member Abbie Kamin—who covers Meyerland and parts of the Inner Loop—said Proposition A will allow the council an opportunity to help move efforts forward that are already underway in some fashion but could fizzle out without council action. Kamin said she hopes items would still be subject to department review, legal review and fiscal analysis, which she said could help prevent abuse of the new powers. Meanwhile, Proposition B calls Houston representatives to work with the Houston- Galveston Area Council—a regional planning group that plays a central role in allocating state funds for projects—to make board voting power more in line with how population is spread throughout the region. The effort to promote Proposition B was led by advocates with the grassroots group Fair for Houston, who said the current structure results in unfairly weak voting power for urban representatives.

Before H-GAC’s 37-member board of directors includes: • One member from 13 counties, two members from Harris County • One member from cities with populations over 25,000, two members from Houston • Four representatives covering remaining cities • One school district representative

Mayor

Council members

Required to place item on agenda

Before The mayor of Houston has sole power to determine what items are placed on weekly Houston City Council agendas.

Houston members on the board of directors

Houston represents 30% of the region’s population

After • H-GAC members must work out a new structure that makes board voting power more “proportional” to population. The language is intentionally open-ended. • H-GAC has 60 days from election results being certified to make the changes • If H-GAC and city fail to reach agreement by deadline, Houston is obligated to leave H-GAC

After The mayor still can place items on agendas, but a council member can also place an item on an agenda if its placement is backed by at least two other council members.

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY, HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL, HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

A closer look

City attorney chimes in

Council of Governments The H-GAC is a Council of Governments that covers the 13-county Houston region. The COG can continue operating without Houston, Michel wrote. Key detail : A majority of directors is all that is needed to conduct business.

Metropolitan Planning Organization The MPO covers eight counties and provides input on distributing funds. Key detail: To redesignate an MPO, approval is required from Gov. Greg Abbott and representatives covering 75% of H-GAC’s population.

Transportation Policy Council The MPO’s policy-making body

coordinates transportation planning. The TPC can continue to function without the city of Houston, Michel wrote. Key detail : The TPC only requires a majority of members to conduct business.

In an August memo to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, City Attorney Arturo Michel gave his take on several legal questions related to Proposition B.

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON ATTORNEY’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY SHAWN ARRIJJ

What they're saying

Also of note

What's next

Council members Mary Nan Huffman, Amy Peck and Carolyn Evans-Shabazz are working on what could be the first council member-spurred agenda item. If passed, it would prohibit Houston Public Works from correcting water bill errors that are more than three months old, unless the correction is in the customer’s favor. Proposition B gives the H-GAC 60 days to negotiate on a more “proportional” representation structure for its board of directors and its Transportation Policy Council. Fair for Houston officials said the ballot language was left open- ended so the H-GAC would not be constrained to specific quotas. If Houston is not satisfied with H-GAC’s new structure, Proposition B calls on the city to leave the council. The fallout could result in Houston losing access to federal funds, City Attorney Arturo Michel warned in the August memo. H-GAC Executive Director Chuck Wemple said committees will meet in December to take a “fresh look” at population growth in the region and consider models used in other cities. A vote on a potential bylaw change could take place in January. Both Wemple and H-GAC organizers emphasized the conversation should not pit one city or county against everyone else. “We believe ... that a better future for the region is possible by updating this system to make it fair, not just for Houston, but for everyone,” Fair for Houston Communications Director Ally Smither said.

“[Proposition A] enables [Houston City Council members] an opportunity to keep work going to ensure residents are receiving the caliber of

In addition to changes coming to the Houston City Council through Proposition A, several runoff elections taking place Dec. 9 could change the council’s makeup. Races listed below affect the local area, but other council seats are also up for election.

services they deserve.” ABBIE KAMIN, DISTRICT C HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

Runoff election candidates

Mayor • Sheila Jackson Lee • John Whitmire

City Council District D • Carolyn Evans-Shabazz* • Travis McGee

“While current projects in the queue would proceed, new projects would likely not be added, nor would the city have any

inuence over their funding.” ARTURO MICHEL, HOUSTON CITY ATTORNEY, IN AN AUG. 20 MEMO TO MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER, DISCUSSING IF THE CITY WITHDREW

City Council At-Large Position 1 • Melanie Miles • Julian Ramirez

FROM THE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

City Council At-Large Position 2 • Willie Davis • Nick Hellyar

“As we take a fresh look at [population], as we come together as a region to really work through this, I remain optimistic that we’ll be able to

City Council At-Large Position 3 • Richard Cantu • Twila Carter

navigate a way through.” CHUCK WEMPLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOUSTON- GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL

City Council At-Large Position 4 • Roy Morales • Letitia Plummer*

*INCUMBENT

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Sydney Womack

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Community

BY ASIA ARMOUR & SHAWN ARRAJJ

Volunteer Guide

2023

Learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities in Bellaire, Meyerland, West University Place and surrounding areas. For specific volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly. This list is not comprehensive.

Empower children

Care for the environment

Empower children

Girls Empowerment Network The organization advances self-efficacy—or the belief in oneself to succeed—in girls in grades 3-12 through programs that foster confidence, coping skills, collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity. • Sample activities: writing role model letters, creating armation bookmarks, signing up for Girl Connect events • Donations accepted: money, merchandise sales, car donations, stock donations Workshop Houston The nonprofit’s mission is to provide creative, technical and educational resources to young people who are involved in the arts. • Sample activities: working with students during after- school programs once per week during the semester • Donations accepted: checks, in-kind materials • 3615 Sauer St., Houston • www.workshophouston.org • 4660 Beechnut St., Ste. 102, Houston • www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org

Be a Resource The nonprofit works to provide resources to children in Child Protective Services in Houston as well as children who are referred to the organization. • Sample activities: helping with community events; creating hygiene packs and school bags; hosting drives • Donations accepted: money; hygiene products for babies and children; toys; books; diapers; clothing in all sizes; blankets; stuffed animals

educational, health, language or cultural barriers with several core programs that go beyond refugee settlement and social-educational and wellness services. Interested volunteers can receive more information by reaching out to volunteer@thealliancetx.org. • Sample activities: assisting with special events; helping with administrative tasks; sorting donations; helping interpret foreign languages; serving as English language partners, job readiness mentors or refugee youth mentors • Donations accepted: money; nonperishable food items; new baby items, new full-sized hygiene items; new household items and gently-used furniture; electronics; vehicles; gently-used clothing • 6420 Hillcroft Ave., Houston • www.thealliancetx.org Houston Area Women’s Center This organization works to end domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking. Services include crisis intervention, support programs and violence prevention initiatives. • Sample activities: joining a committed volunteer fundraising committee; helping at events; offering holiday gift items to survivors and their families; assembling essential supply kits to aid women and children in the HAWC shelter • Donations accepted: monetary contributions; food items; brand new clothing for women, infants and toddlers; toys; diapers; hygiene products; beauty products; first aid items; luggage; detergent; smaller appliances • www.hawc.org Plant it Forward The Houston-based nonprofit works with more than 60 farmers with refugee backgrounds, including farmers operating five urban sites and four rural sites. • Sample activities: helping urban farmers weed, mulch and compost; working at a local farmers market; being a veggie guide content creator • Donations accepted: Venmo, PayPal, mail, stock • Fondren: 10595 Fondren Road, Houston • Westbury: 12581 Dunlap St., Houston • www.plantitforward.farm

• 3572 E. T C Jester Blvd., Houston • www.bearesourcehouston.org

Second Servings of Houston The nonprofit rescues surplus perishable food from retailers, distributors and manufacturers, and delivers it to local nonprofits. • Sample activities: assisting drivers with food rescues; helping with PopUp Grocery Stores • Donations accepted: surplus food, money • 8825 Knight Road, Houston • www.secondservingshouston.org

Care for the environment

Coastal Prairie Conservancy This organization works to preserve and protect the acres that make up Katy Prairie for the well-being of the wildlife and people in the area. • Sample activities: participating in Stewardship Saturdays; collecting seeds; caring for the plant nursery; guiding as a docent; helping with pocket prairie initiatives • Donations accepted: money, estate plans, merchandise sales, Kroger Community Awards • Houston office: 5615 Kirby Drive, Ste. 867, Houston • Field office: 31975 Hebert Road, Waller • www.coastalprairieconservancy.org

Help animals

Special Pals This animal welfare nonprofit and no-kill shelter works to save animal lives. The center provides adoptions, fostering, low-cost clinics and rescue boarding. • Sample activities: taking care of animals; assisting with administrative work; helping with events; helping transport animals to veterinarians for medical needs; fostering; dog walking; photography, marketing and social media help • Donations accepted: money, gift cards • 3830 Greenhouse Road, Houston • www.specialpals.org

Feed the hungry

Houston Food Bank The nonprofit collects, inspects, sorts, stores and distributes food to community partners, such as pantries, soup kitchens, schools and multi-service centers. • Sample activities: sorting food; building home delivery kits; assisting with hot meals; distributing food and school supplies • Donations accepted: money, food, vehicles, stocks • East branch: 535 Portwall St., Houston • North branch: 146 Knobcrest Drive, Houston • www.houstonfoodbank.org/volunteernow

Support families

The Alliance The nonprofit assists those who face financial,

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Nonpro t

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Blackwood Skyfarm connects nature to incarcerated youth

Cath Conlon carted trays of vegetables through the elevators at a multiuse development in the heart of Downtown Houston. The president and CEO of the nonprot Blackwood Educational Land Institute was bringing fresh crops to one of biggest urban rooftop farms in Texas, Blackwood Skyfarm. Located at POST Houston, the farm’s mission is to build community around food, reduce its carbon footprint and create healthier outcomes for the city. The details In June, Blackwood piloted an eight-week program to provide urban agricultural education to residents in juvenile detention facilities. Each youth has their 8-by-10 cell in a unit of 15 cells. Whether it was discussing the historical

August Stubler was rst introduced to Blackwood farm and its educational opportunities as a youth at the farm’s Hempstead location. Now as an adult with a master’s degree in sustainable food systems, he brings his knowledge as a full-time farmer.

PHOTOS BY MELISSA ENAJECOMMUNITY IMPACT

relationship between food and humans, racial injustice or food production, Conlon said the youth asked intelligent questions. “They’re very young, pliable brains. There’s so much room to help mold them into being the best person that they can be, if they want to be,” Conlon said. Lead farmer Aaron Flores said they plan for the program to return in the spring.

LOUISIANA ST.

401 Franklin St., Houston https://blackwoodland.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY ASIA ARMOUR

The custom suit design process involves reviewing and selecting fabrics and accessories.

Allen Johnson Formal Wear oers tuxedo rentals and custom suit designs for men to wear to weddings, galas and proms.

PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Allen Johnson Formal Wear caters to men’s style After 27 years in the industry, LaTanya Johnson branched out to start a formal wear business of her own. Johnson carries with her the work ethic and an eye for style she’s developed into Allen Johnson For- mal Wear, which opened in Meyerland in November 2019. The business oers tuxedo rentals and custom suit designs for men. Johnson said she loves helping men build their condence by nding their personal style. Changing the game catering to the groom like they were to the bride. And so I started getting this vision,” Johnson said. This individualized experience involves creating customized suits from scratch. Who it’s for

LaTanya Johnson has over 27 years of experience.

Johnson said she eventually wants to have four stores with a venue in the middle of Houston. She imagines having her own custom line of formal wear. With that kind of growth, Johnson said she would be able to donate items to programs that send under- privileged children at local high schools to dances and proms in style. “We’re in the community,” Johnson said. “We try to do things to give back, because they have denitely taken care of us.”

Throughout her career, Johnson began to identify what was lacking in the planning process of special occasions. These ideas would help form her future business, she said. “I started noticing ... there really was no one

9810 Hillcroft Ave., Houston www.allenjohnson.co

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