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Empower CDC is proud to be a community partner for Imperative Chemical Partners' Holiday Giving Event today at Quil Ridge in Waller County!
We're excited to contribute by donating 2 bikes to be raffled off during the event. It's a joy to spread holiday cheer and support such a wonderful cause in our community!
We are thrilled to share the incredible impact of the Empower(ed) to Feed program during the month of November! Over the course of three successful food pantry drives, we have proudly served 105 households, which include a total of 311 individuals.
In this issue, we highlight the success of our ongoing Project Canvas workshops at the YET Center, share updates on the opening of our Food Pantry at Windsor Gardens Apartments, recap our impactful Summer Backpack Drive, and provide resources for volunteering and donating to our upcoming Bike & Toy Drive. Together, we’re making a difference in our community!
CW39’s Sharron Melton talks with Kenneth Kopech, who is vice president of operations for Empower CDC. They are on a mission to reduce food insecurity all ahead of Thanksgiving holidays, and they’re providing food to hundreds of local families impacted by rising food costs.
Whitestone, in partnership with the nonprofit Empower Community Development Corp., plans to include these battery generator systems in all of its new homes. Across the Houston area, Whitestone is building 30 homes around Houston priced from $280,000 to about $570,000, a price point that typically doesn't include generators or similar backup power systems.
Today, we are recognizing the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation (HYLF) for their crucial support in making the Empower(ed) to Read & Learn and Empower(ed) to Learn Grow Eat Go programs possible. We are sharing the positive outcomes observed and expressing our gratitude for their involvement and contributions.
On December 10th, Human Rights Day commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Throughout the world, this day aims to raise awareness and respect for human rights. We should recognize that one of the fundamental human rights is the right to fair and quality housing. Let's take a look at Houston's housing affordability and maintenance challenges.
Criminal record expungement is the process of removing a criminal conviction from one’s record. An expungement can offer individuals a fresh start and make them eligible for life-changing opportunities. Empower CDC is offering an Expungement and Record Clearing Clinic, as well as a Job Restoration Fair in 2024. Learn the benefits on an Expungement!
Every year, during the week before Thanksgiving, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is held to raise awareness about hunger and homelessness. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and many families are eager to get together and share meals. It is important to note, however, that many low-income families may be unable to provide food for their families on Thanksgiving due to hardship.
There is a major issue of homelessness in the United States, and veterans are often
underrepresented as a group. Homelessness among many veterans is caused by many factors,
including mental health issues, substance abuse, and difficulty reintegrating into civilian life after
service. Additionally, many veterans have difficulty accessing support services.
November is Homeless Youth Awareness Month, which focuses on the challenges faced by homeless youth and the need for increased support. Youth homelessness is a growing problem nationwide. Homelessness can adversely affect a youth's physical and mental health, education, and future.
In impoverished communities, lack of resources can have devastating effects on individuals and families. The desperation that comes with financial hardship is one of the main reasons poverty leads to crime. When individuals are unable to provide for themselves or their families, they may feel compelled to engage in crime to survive.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the breast tissue. Among women, it is the most common cancer, and it can also affect men. The purpose of this article is to provide information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as well as tips for early detection and prevention.
Food insecurity is a growing problem in the United States, and Houston is no exception. ALICE households, which stands Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, are vulnerable to food insecurity. These households are often working but still struggling to make ends meet, leaving them with little money for food.
Homelessness is a major problem faced by many women fleeing abusive partners. In many cases, women are financially controlled by their abusive partners, and when they leave, their financial resources are lost. As a result, finding safe and affordable housing is extremely difficult for them.
Join us September 20th from 9am-3pm at the Magnolia Multi-Service Center Location: 7037 Capitol St, Houston, Tx 77011. The legal clinic will connect Houstonians with the resources they need to maintain and grow intergenerational wealth and arm them with the tools they need to remain and thrive in their homes and communities. This clinic will be made possible by the Texas Bar Foundation. Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $24 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation's largest charitably-funded bar foundation.
Breakfast will be provided and begin at 8:30am. Lunch will be provided and begin at 12:00 pm.
Create an account with EMPOWER to participate at any of our upcoming events.
Join us July 18th from 9am-3pm at the Third-Ward Multi-Service Center 3611 Ennis St, Houston, TX 77004. The legal clinic will connect Houstonians with the resources they need to maintain and grow intergenerational wealth and arm them with the tools they need to remain and thrive in their homes and communities. This clinic will be made possible by the Texas Bar Foundation. Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $24 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation's largest charitably-funded bar foundation.
Breakfast will be provided and begin at 8:30am. Lunch will be provided and begin at 12:00 pm.
Housing issues like difficulty paying rent, overcrowding, eviction, and homelessness can have a significant impact on one's mental health. These issues can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. The uncertainty and instability of not having a secure place to live can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
Discrimination in home appraisals against many black families has been a longstanding issue. Research has shown that homes in predominantly black neighborhoods are often undervalued compared to similar homes in predominantly white neighborhoods. This can result in many black families receiving lower appraisals and therefore having less access to homeownership opportunities.
Section 8 Voucher Holders in Texas are not protected from discrimination by landlords due to a Texas Law passed in 2015. This lack of protection can have a devastating impact on many families who rely on the voucher program for their housing needs. In effect, this law deprives many families with vouchers of their right to fair housing.
Single-mother households are at a higher risk of food insecurity due to factors such as lower incomes, lack of support, and higher expenses. Some single-mother households are ALICE households in which a significant portion of their income goes towards rent, leaving them with limited funds for groceries and other expenses. In addition, it is unfortunate that inflation may make it difficult for single-mother households to afford groceries.
Many residents in Houston face challenges as rent continuously increases. It is difficult for some to afford a living, as the majority of their income goes toward rent. In the case of single-mother households, if they spend more than 30% of their income on rent, they may not be able to afford other living expenses.
Redlining was a discriminatory practice that denied access to housing and insurance loans to black families living in Settegast. This practice was prevalent in the 20th century and contributed to the creation of segregated neighborhoods. Many Black families were often forced to live in substandard housing and were denied opportunities for upward mobility. The effects of redlining can still be seen today in the form of racial disparities in homeownership and wealth.
As part of environmental gentrification, illegal dumping, and toxic waste play a significant and troubling role. Discarded mattresses, tires, and appliances can contain hazardous materials that can be dangerous to people and the environment. To help protect your community, it's important to report any illegal dumping you witness and to contact your local authorities to take action. By working together, we can make sure that all neighborhoods have clean and safe environments.
Environmental gentrification is a concerning issue that impacts many underserved communities in Greater Houston. Often, these communities lack the resources to keep up with the changing environmental regulations, resulting in their displacement. Green amenities should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic or social status. By having access to green amenities, many underserved communities could benefit from improved water and air quality, physical activity, and mental health.
A growing population and urban development are threatening the Greater Houston area's historical neighborhoods. Seniors who cannot afford property taxes or home repairs fear being displaced and having their history erased.
Empower CDC's Active Senior Resident is seeking certification in master gardening to teach children how to grow their own food and provide for themselves. Ms. Betty has engaged in master gardening classes and engaged with the boys club.
Empower CDC's Active-Senior Apartment resident has taken the initiative to engage and lead the residents. In following in her mother's footsteps of leadership, Ms. Von Moore displays enthusiasm to lead residents in many activities.
For senior homeowners, deed education is essential to ensuring the home is passed on to the next generation. If the senior homeowner does not have access to a deed, future generations will not have the opportunity to inherit the home.
Some Seniors are unable to afford home repairs which result in more deterioration of the home, and the risk of losing their home. If a senior homeowner loses their home, they lose their opportunity to pass the home on to the next generation and build generational wealth.
If you are a teenager and looking for ways to earn extra money, it might be time to consider starting your own business. There are several benefits to working for yourself, but many teens might not think about doing so with the fear that starting up is too hard.
There are plenty of interesting, fun, and budget-friendly activities that don't require sunlight or weather extremes.
Balancing babies and toddlers with remote work can feel overwhelming even in the best circumstances and it's easy to feel like you're failing on all fronts. Don't give in to negative thoughts, though. Instead, take the time to set yourself and your children up for success using this guide.
Learn ways to support and connect with the seniors in your family and community.
Check out this wonderful guide that can help you understand nature-deficit disorder and how to get your kids outside more frequently.
