Greater Northside Management District
July 21, 2021
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Dear GNMD Friend,
Summer in the Greater Northside Management District has been a beehive of activity! Just look at some of the recent events that have taken place:
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Lemonade with an Officer - Local residents and GNMD officers met at the award-winning Butterfly Pocket Park to talk about ways to improve community safety. It was also an opportunity to replenish flowers and plants that nourish the Monarch butterflies for their annual migration to Mexico.
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Northside Market and Summer Block Party at the M.D. Anderson Family YMCA - Twenty-four local businesses were honored as recipients of the Greater Northside Business Revitalization Program and residents enjoyed music provided by a DJ and the pool.
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Elysian Viaduct Bridge Ribbon Cutting - Local officials assisted in the ribbon cutting to reopen the Elysian Viaduct bridge.
This newsletter features pictures from these exciting events, all of which had a great turnout!
WE NEED YOUR FEEBACK! The deadline for the Planning Projects Ranking Survey has once again been extended. This survey is easy to complete and is essential for planning purposes. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by clicking here. The new survey deadline is Wednesday, September 1.
We are proud of our Greater Northside Management District community and thank you for all your support! Don't forget to #ShopNorthside and #SupportLocal!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Reyna
Executive Director
#NorthsideStrong
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Welcome, Carlos G. Espinoza y Sánchez, M.U.P. |
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GNMD is excited to introduce our new Director of Programs and Planning, Carlos G. Espinoza y Sánchez.
Carlos is handling all of the District's programs from graffiti abatement to safety and Right-of-Way cleanup. Bringing 10 years of urban planning and community experience to the District, Carlos is excited to be working in the Greater Northside to improve the quality of life through capital improvement programs and marketing, beautification and planning projects.
Before joining GNMD, Carlos was a City Planner with the City of Houston Planning Department and worked on various projects from the Complete Communities Initiative to the Walkable Places ordinance changes.
Carlos also worked for the private sector as a developer in the Greater Houston Area doing townhome, commercial and high-rise developments. Carlos has a great community background with his experience at Avenue CDC in the Near Northside.
You can look forward to meeting Carlos at Greater Northside civic and Capital Improvement Plan meetings and at other District events in the coming months.
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Greater Northside Business Revitalization Program announces winners |
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Greater Northside Management District and Avenue selected 24 local businesses for the Greater Northside Business Revitalization Program, which will provide free support to the local business community.
The following businesses will receive one-on-one consultations that generate topics such as business and marketing plans and financial training: Alva Graphics; Antojitos Northside; Artic Graphics; Canary Cafe; Carlos Silva Food Trucks; Glamour House Studios; Hot Wings & More; HTX Art LLC; iPadel Houston; Jenny's Washateria; Juice Caboose, Inc.; Multiservicios Falcon; Northside Beauty Salon; Oh MY Pocket Pies; Outer Limit Doughnuts; Packaderm Warehousing; Postres Gely’s; Provisions of Indigo LLC; Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen; Rocco's; Sarita's Taqueria Inc.; Selfcare; Sew Great and Shop Local Market.
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Winners of the Greater Northside Business Revitalization Program
were announced at the Northside Art Market on Friday, June 25,
at the M.D. Anderson Family YMCA
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On June 11, local residents and GNMD officers met at the Butterfly Pocket Park on Fulton to talk about ways to improve community safety.
It was also an opportunity to replenish the flowers and plants that nourish the monarch butterflies for their annual migration to Mexico.
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Elysian Viaduct Bridge ribbon cutting |
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Greater Northside Management District board members and staff attended the ribbon cutting and reopening of the Elysian Viaduct Bridge on July 16. The bridge over I-10 and the Buffalo Bayou was widened and is adorned by distinctive painted columns and mariachi panels. The project will improve safety, accommodate population growth and enhance mobility and connectivity in the Greater Northside.
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Attending the ribbon cutting with a TxDOT representative, left, were Houston Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, GNMD Deputy Executive Director Anibeth Turcious and GNMD Board President Jeanette Rash. |
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Mariachi panels adorn the bridge. GNMD representatives at the event included Carlos Espinoza y Sánchez, clockwise from top, Jeanette Rash, Pamela Guerra and Anibeth Turcios.
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Upcoming Programs and Events |
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Provide your input for new homes
in the Near Northside by Wednesday, July 21
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The City of Houston and the Houston Land Bank recently acquired two new sites to develop high-density communities of single-family homes, including townhomes, duplexes and condos:
- The “north site” is located on three blocks at 3201 Hardy and 1406 Hays Roads and is currently the site of Yellow Cab Company.
- The “south site" is adjacent to the Burnett Transit Center.
The input of community members is needed to make these homes fit into the vision that residents have for the Near Northside. Click here to learn more about the developments and share your thoughts.
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Northside Market & Family Night
M.D. Anderson Family YMCA - Friday, July 30
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View NASA's Orbital Flight Test-2 Launch
Friday, July 30 @ 1:53 p.m.
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The uncrewed OFT-2 mission will test the end-to-end capabilities of StarLiner and the Atlas V rocket from launch to docking to a return to Earth in the desert of the western United States.
All resources, participation and registration are free. Click here to register; to let NASA know that you're virtually participating; and to receive communications about launch schedule changes, launch-related activities and curated launch resources.
There is no physical ticket for online participation and no access to in-person launch activities.
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July is Tree Waste Month. “Tree waste” is defined as “clean” wood waste such as tree limbs, branches and stumps. Lumber, furniture and treated wood will NOT be accepted. Junk Waste may NOT be placed for collection during a Tree Waste month.
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Please participate in the Planning Projects
Ranking Survey for the Greater Northside
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The survey deadline has been extended to Wednesday, September 1. Click here to rank projects for the Planning Projects Ranking Survey.
Your input will help determine project priorities for pedestrian, bicycle transit, beautification, urban designs and art.
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Saint Arnold Brewing Company Art Car IPA
Sunday, November 7, 2021
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Join Texas' oldest craft brewery — Saint Arnold Brewing Company — on Sunday, November 7, 2021, and celebrate the LIVE launch of The Art Car IPA 5k!
It will be LIVE and IN PERSON! So get funky, get creative and show your artistic talent as everyone parties and revels in the art of running and drinking Saint Arnold craft beer!
Click here for more information, including how to register or volunteer for the event.
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Houston's public libraries are open |
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Two of Houston's public libraries in the Greater Northside are open for in-person use. These are the Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning (1050 Quitman St, Houston 77009) and the Moody Neighborhood Library (9525 Irvington Blvd, Houston 77022).
You can browse and borrow library items, use library computers and use your own devices to connect to the library's free Wi-Fi. Click here to check each library's hours of operation.
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The 2021 hurricane season kicked off June 1 and is expected to be another busy one for Texas. Last year, the Atlantic hurricane season saw a record-breaking 30 storms, including 12 that made landfall in the continental U.S., according to the National Hurricane Center.
Click here to view the Harris County Hurricane Preparedness Guide in English or Espanol (scroll down to " Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery").
People who anticipate needing evacuation assistance during an emergency or disaster can register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry online or by calling 2-1-1. Registration is available for people with dis abilities or with access and functional needs, such as those with limited mobility, communication barriers, or requiring additional medical assistance during an emergency event.
Blind or visually impaired individuals may access emergency preparedness tips at sightintosound.org. Messages are accessible 24/7 in English and Spanish and are also broadcast on Sight into Sound radio (KUHT-TV Channel 8.5) and KUHF-FM digital HD channel. |
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Extreme Summer Heat Safety |
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Tips for handling extreme summer heat |
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The Houston Fire Department reminds citizens to take safety measures when outdoors to avoid heat-related medical emergencies.
Caregivers should "Look Before They Lock" children in vehicles. Senior citizens and pets should never be left in a vehicle on a warm or hot day.
Here are tips from Reliant for staying cool at home:
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Pay attention to the temperature in your home.
- Stay hydrated by drinking more water than usua.l
- Use cooling towels.
- Take cool baths or showers.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which are dehydrating.
- Have a loved one call to check on you throughout the day.
- Ask your doctor how heat can affect any medications you're taking.
- Limit outdoor activity.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
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Know the signs of heat-related illness |
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Houston's cooling centers |
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During summer's soaring temperatures, the City may activate cooling centers, consisting of multi-service centers, libraries and recreation centers, when the heat index reaches 108 degrees for more than two consecutive days.
High-risk groups, such as adults age 55 and older, children under the age of five and people with chronic illness are urged to stay inside air-conditioned buildings during the hottest part of the day (i.e., between 1 and 5 p.m.).
Call 3-1-1 for information and to find out when cooling centers are open.
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Other hot weather resources |
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Reliant's Beat the Heat portable air conditioner program assists eligible seniors, disabled individuals and families without the means to cool their homes. Call the Harris County Area Agency on Aging at 832-393-4301 to learn more.
Additionally, the City is encouraging people to go to local libraries to stay cool. If you have home cooling concerns, call the Houston Health Department Eligibility Service Center at 832-393-4984.
Precinct2gether community centers are fully operational to provide a place to ensure seniors are not isolated. Water and hand fans will be distributed. Click here to learn more about the centers and their operating hours.
Additionally, homeowners in need of an A/C unit can call the Harris County Precinct 2 call center at 713-274-2222 for information about their air conditioner program.
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COVID-19 rental assistance programs |
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Houston and Harris County
The City of Houston and Harris County are working together to provide $159 million in rent and utilities assistance to families who are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are being distributed by two agencies with established experience in helping people in need: BakerRipley and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
For more information and to apply online, go to HoustonHarrisHelp.org. In addition, a special phone line, 832-402-7568, will take questions and provide applicants with the status of their applications. The phone hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Texas Rent Relief Program
Funds are still available for the Texas Rent Relief Program. The Texas Rent Relief Program can help renters with costs starting as far back as March 13, 2020 (this means you could potentially request assistance for up to 11 months of past due bills).
Applicants can submit their application by calling 1-833-9TX-RENT (1-833-989-7368) or submitting it online at TexasRentRelief.com. Help is available in multiple languages. The phone hours are 8 a.m. to
6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
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COVID-19 vaccine availability |
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Have you had the COVID-19 vaccine? Protect yourself against the aggressive, new Delta Variant by getting vaccinated for free. Click here to find local providers.
Vaccine Approved for Children Ages 12+
The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use by 12- to 15-year-olds in addition to those individuals 15 years and older. At this time, Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for this age group. Both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson can only be administered to individuals 18+ years of age. Because of this, individuals are encouraged to go to a site that provides the Pfizer vaccine.
Schedule an appointment via (832) 927-8787 or through VacsTrac. Appointments are recommended, but not required.
Stay Smart / Do Your Part
Getting through the COVID-19 emergency requires all of us to do our part to reach herd immunity. For more information, visit www.StaySmartDoYourPart.com for information regarding the vaccine, including FAQs, myths and facts.
Espanol
Regístrese en la lista de espera inteligente del Departamento de Salud del Condado Harris para vacunarse cuando sea elegible. Una vez registrado, podrá programar una cita para vacunarse gratis cuando esté en el grupo autorizado según las pautas del estado de Texas. CovidVax (hctx.net)
¡El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado Harris ha comenzado a vacunar a residentes de entre 12 y 17 años! Programe una cita llamando al 832-927-8787 o mediante Vacstrac. Se recomienda que realice una cita, pero no es obligatorio.
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FREE+FAST+SAFE COVID-19 testing sites |
Getting tested at Houston Health Department-affiliated sites is free and does not require proof of residency, citizenship or insurance. To find a location near you, click here.
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Current COVID-19 Level: Level 3 (Yellow) |
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Stay Vigilant Unless Fully Vaccinated
Level 3 - Moderate Threat
Level 3 signifies a moderate, but controlled level of COVID-19 in Harris County, meaning a FURTHER demonstrated reduction in transmission and the local healthcare system is WELL within capacity.
Unvaccinated residents should remain vigilant, but resume contact with others and resume leaving home. Unvaccinated individuals should continue to mask and physical distance.
Fully vaccinated individuals may resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
STAY ALERT: Regardless of the current threat level in Harris County, all residents should continue to use frequent handwashing and follow guidelines established by workplaces and businesses. Unvaccinated residents should continue to use face coverings indoors and outdoors, social distance and quarantine for 14 days if exposed to COVID-19.
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Be Well, Be Connected:
Mental health care for youth ages 9 to 17
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Be Well, Be Connected offers access to mental health care for youth ages 9 to 17. Eligible youth include students from five Houston area school districts and youth who are referred from the community.
School-based screenings, referrals and home- and community-based services are provided. Direct services are offered to youth who are experiencing disruption and interference in their lives from serious emotional disturbances (SED), including first-episode psychosis and bipolar disorder.
The services include family support that is offered in their homes and communities. A student can self-refer or be referred by a teacher, parent or counselor.
Be Well, Be Connected is a collaboration of the City of Houston, Baylor College of Medicine and other medical organizations.
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Click here for information on COVID-19 resources and other preparedness information for Harris County.
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The Houston Food Bank supports food and produce distributions, senior boxes, meal sites and more!
Click here for a map of food distribution locations. Click here for a list of organizations offering food assistance.
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Did you know? SNAP (food stamps) provides $150 a month for food. To find out if you qualify, text SNAP to 74544. |
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Domestic Violence
If you are experiencing violence because you are forced to stay with an abusive partner, call the Houston Area Women’s Center 24-hour hotline for free-and-confidential assistance.
Houston Area Women's Center
Domestic Violence Hotline
713-528-2121
TTY: 713-528-3625
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Free Legal Clinics
for Veterans
Legal clinics offer free advice by phone to low-income, U.S. military veterans every Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Veterans may submit applications by phone at 713-228-0735
The clinic is open to all low-income veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in the Houston area.
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Legal Assistance
Click here for information on free legal assistance and resources from the Houston Bar Association.
Online Resources
Stop TX Eviction is an online portal that provides free information and guidance to help tenants understand their legal rights and remedies available to keep them housed.
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How to manage a court date
if you have an underlying health condition
Due to COVID-19, you may be part of the vulnerable population, especially if you are older than 65 years of age; suffer with underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma or whose immune system is compromised due chemotherapy for cancer; or have any other condition requiring such therapy.
If you are part of this group, please contact the Houston Municipal Courts at 713-247-8924 and speak to someone regarding a special accommodation and a specialized docket to ensure
your continued safety.
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The Financial Empowerment Centers (FECs) provide one-to-one, professional financial counseling to Houstonians at no cost.
The service is an initiative of the Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities supported by Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and Regions Bank.
FEC counselors provide guidance to how to manage your money, pay down debt, increase saving, establish and build credit, and access safe-and-affordable mainstream banking products.
All services are free and available to all residents regardless of income. Counseling assistance is available in English and Spanish.
Click here for more information and to make an appointment.
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Houston Harris County
Winter Storm Relief Fund
The Fund will focus on relief and recovery efforts across the City of Houston and Harris County.
Jointly overseen and administered by Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) and United Way of Greater Houston (UWGH).
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Consejos Legales is a service of the Mexican American Bar Association and the Hispanic Bar Association that offers legal consultations by phone to residents of Houston and Harris County on the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. To confirm the date and time of the next Consejos Legales, check the website calendar or call the Houston Bar Association at 713-759-1133.
Consejos Legales es un programa de la Asociación Mexicana de Abogados y la Asociación Hispana de Abogados. El programa ofrece asesoría legal gratuita en español por teléfono para los residentes de Houston y el Condado de Harris el primer jueves de cada mes, entre las 6 y las 8 p.m. Para confirmar la fecha y hora de los siguientes Consejos Legales, consulte el calendario del sitio web o llame a la oficina de Houston Bar Association al 713-759-1133. |
Purpose
To be an additional resource for families who have complex needs and may need assistance or flexible financial assistance beyond what is currently available.
These include but are not limited to:
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Homeowner insurance deductibles
- Damage and first month rent deposits for renters re-locating
- Temporary housing
- Temporary storage
- Utilities assistance
- Replacement of furniture or other essentials
- Other items damaged/lost due to the Winter Storm
Click here for more information about this program.
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Winter Storm Home Repair Assistance |
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Are you still struggling to recover from February's winter freeze?
The Connective's 2021 Winter Storm Home Repair Program helps Houston and Harris County residents impacted by the storm. You may be eligible for assistance if your income is less than 80 percent of the area median income ($63,350).
To apply for assistance, complete the Connective Home Repair Application by clicking here. Call The Alliance at 346-396-6903 if you do not have access to technology to fill out the application. |
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Educational Opportunities |
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Register now for the Honors College
at Houston Community College
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Students in northeast Houston can apply to the Houston Community College Honors College program at the Northline Campus, 8001 Fulton Street, Houston 77022.
The Houston Community College Honors College enables talented students to study with inspiring faculty members as part of an exciting learning community.
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Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 enrollment is open
for the RYSS* Academy at Leonel Castillo
*Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success
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Teens, tap into your imagination and let your creativity flow with the Houston Public Library's 2021 Comic Creation Contest!
Show off your talent and get graphic. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.
Submit your creation by August 31, 2021. Click here to learn more and to access the entry form.
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San Jacinto College Health Career Pathways
Partnership Grant extended through Sept. 29
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Employment and Business Resources |
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Summer Healthcare Job Fair
San Jacinto College - Thursday, July 22
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Liftoff Houston Start-Up Business Plan Competition
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Liftoff Houston is the City of Houston's annual business plan competition that aims to empower Houstonians with business literacy education and mentorship to start their own businesses while contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Houston economy.
Capital One Bank sponsors the program and provides cash prizes totaling $30,000 in three award categories (each category has a $10,000 prize).
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Houston's Solid Waste Management Department is hiring commercial truck drivers |
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The Solid Waste Management Department is hiring commercial truck drivers and offering signing incentive pay for these critical classifications.
Click here for more information and to submit an employment application.
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Employers with job opportunities, internships or apprenticeships are invited to post positions on the Hire Houston Youth job board.
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Employment assistance at SER |
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SER is a nonprofit community organization that educates and equips people in the Texas Gulf Coast Region who come from low-income backgrounds or who have significant barriers to employment. SER believes the power and purpose of work can transform lives and communities.
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Capital One assists small business owners
and nonprofits through the SOAR Fund
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Capital One is a supporter of the Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR) Fund, which will enable recovery and economic stability to historically underserved businesses and communities.
Small business owners and nonprofits, with fewer than 50 employees, across the South can apply for low-interest loans of up to $100,000 and free business support through the Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR) Fund—a new program created by a diverse group of community lenders aimed at helping small businesses and nonprofits navigate and rebuild from the Covid-19 health and economic crisis.
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Greater Northside Management District
Business Highlights
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City Acre Brewing Co. turns 5 |
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Greater Northside Management District congratulates City Acre Brewing Co. on their fifth anniversary.
In 2016, Matt Schlabach and his wife, Meredith Borders, opened City Acre. The venue includes outdoor seating among a garden with over 60 fruit-bearing plants and a large event space featuring a Victorian-style manor that is available for private parties and weddings.
Mandy Jeronimus, the general manager and fermentologist, brings fervor for brewing and soda-making to the team. City Acre features its own label and serves other labels brewed around the region.
Chef Rick Kelsay provides beer-inspired food from locally obtained ingredients and hosts themed events, including movie night at the brewery and harvest dinners with unique beer pairings.
Matt and Meredith reside in the Eastex Jensen neighborhood where City Acre is located and actively promote the community by assisting with the Jensen Jubilee Parade & Festival, participating in cleanups and hosting meetings at the brewery.
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Host your next event
at Saint Arnold Brewing Company
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Saint Arnold Brewing Company, located north of downtown, has two spaces available for private events:
- The Beer Hall, a German-inspired gathering place, holds up to 300 with communal seating for up to 224 at 28 picnic tables.
- The English-style Investors Pub is a more intimate room with space for 100 and seating for up to 60 at three picnic tables, 20 barstools and 16 leather chairs.
Both spaces have skyline views of Houston and plenty of draft beer. Saint Arnold offers a full catering menu and beer packages for events of all sizes. Cider, seltzer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages are also available.
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Would you like to have your business,
restaurant or event featured in our newsletter?
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Send us an update, and we'll gladly feature it in our newsletter!
If you have a picture, that helps to draw the eye to the artice. Please give us at least two-weeks notice!
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The Greater Northside Management District's Butterfly Pocket Park on Fulton won the award for On-the-Ground Projects Under $500K in the 2020 Houston-Galveston Area Council Parks and Natural Areas Award Program. Each year, H-GAC honors projects that serve as models for planning and implementation for parks and natural areas in the region. |
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