Vol. 1, Issue 24 – 12.17.20
DISTRICT F OFFICE
For this “Month of Giving,” we are highlighting two non-profit organizations in District F—the E.L. Kingsley Foundation and West Houston Assistance Ministries—who have done incredible work in our community throughout this trying year. We hope you consider making a donation to these two organizations, as well as others who are also assisting those in need.
At the last Houston City Council Meeting of 2020, Council Member Thomas dedicated her pop-off comments to reminding District F residents of free COVID-19 testing sites that may be more convenient for those who live outside of Alief:

  • Kroger – 9303 S Texas 6, 77083
  • Unity of Houston Church – 2929 Unity Dr, 77057

She also sends well wishes to her colleagues at Council and looks forward to the work we have ahead in 2021.

  • The City of Houston’s Rental Assistance Program is still accepting enrollment from landlords and renters. To receive up to $2,112 for past due rent for September, October and November, apply here.
  • If your landlord does not want to enroll in this program, visit this portal to enter your information.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a nationwide eviction moratorium, effective through December 31, 2020. 
  • In order to be covered by this moratorium, you must sign and submit a declaration to your landlord. The moratorium and declaration are available here in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Urdu, and French.
  • If the Rental Assistance Program does not cover the full amount that you owe to your landlord, please ask your landlord to enter into a payment plan. Templates are available here. For guidance on how to speak with your landlord about this topic, click here. For additional tenant resources, click here.
Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP)
The recently announced TEDP is now live and may provide up to 6 months of rental assistance. For more details, including eligibility, click here.  For the English and Spanish brochure, click on the image.  For the brochure in many other languages, click here.
  • FREE Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing at Crump Stadium – 12321 Alief Clodine Rd, 77082
  • NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
  • Español
  • Tiếng Việt
  • FREE In-Home COVID-19 Testing
  • Did you know that residents of Harris County are eligible for at-home testing for COVID-19? It’s true! You can even schedule larger group testing for your church, neighborhood, or club. Just call 832-393-4301 or toll free 1-800-213-8471 to schedule a time, date, and location.
  • FREE Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing at Unity of Houston Church – 2929 Unity Dr, 77057
  • NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
  • Español
  • Tiếng Việt
Mayor Turner’s Health Equity Response (H.E.R.) Task Force is partnering with Lemond Kitchen, a local catering company, on a $2.2 million relief program to assist local restaurants and provide meals to Houstonians impacted by COVID-19.  Zip codes in District F that qualify: 77036, 77072 and 77099.

Over 106,000 meals have been served to date.  Register today for meal pickup through December 30th. Para español, aplique aquí.

Mayor Turner’s Health Equity Response (H.E.R.) Task Force has partnered with Comcast to provide internet access to approximately 5,000 qualifying families in need. This agreement will ensure qualifying applicants can continue to stay connected to the Internet for education, work, and personal health reasons for one calendar year.  For information on how to apply, click here.
The next virtual Livable Places Action Committee meeting will take place in January.  During this meeting, the Committee will review existing Residential Buffering requirements and consider ideas to better resolve the negative effects some tall structures may have on neighborhoods.

To better understand how this development can affect neighborhoods in Houston, the Planning Department has created an interactive activity inviting the public to drop a pin on the map tool, upload photos, and answer a few short questions about tall structures in their community. This map tool provides a platform for residents to provide comments and direct our attention to specific circumstances. These comments will be compiled and presented to the Committee in January.  The more information we receive from the public, the better our proposals will be!

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Project Updates
Chelford City
Diversion Package #1
  • Westpark has reopened to four divided lanes at West Houston Center, the same as its previous configuration.   Please exercise caution, particularly when headed eastbound on Westpark as there have been a few close accidents due to drivers not being aware of the change, turning onto the wrong side of Westpark.
  • West Houston Center continues to be closed on the Northbound side and traffic is still down to one lane in each direction. Left turns are possible from West Houston Center onto Westpark.  There is still construction work being done here. ETA of completion of West Houston Center work is 3-4 months.
    • In response to safety concerns at this intersection, temporary traffic warning signs will be installed by December 22nd to alert drivers of the new changes.
  • S. Dairy Ashford will remain fully open until the work is complete on West Houston Center,weather permitting.  When West Houston Center is reopened, lanes on S. Dairy Ashford will be shut down somewhat.  As soon as more updates are available, we will provide them.

For FAQs and more information on the project, click here.

Anti-Litter Pickers

Our office will be distributing anti-litter pickers to assist with cleaning up our community.  To request pickers, please click on the image and fill out the form.

Redeployment
Please note: on the following days, we will be delayed in response due to redeployment at City of Houston facilities.
Idalid “Idi” Navarro – Friday, Dec 18th
Long Nguyen – Monday, Dec 21st
READING RAINBOW

‘Thank you, science’: Turner, Hidalgo discuss Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Houston

Everything you need to know about vehicle registrations, financial relief and quarantine during COVID-19
UPCOMING EVENTS

West Houston Assistance Ministries provides invaluable services to the community. WHAM is currently looking for volunteers.

Adult application form: https://form.jotform.com/71496686550165
Group application form: https://form.jotform.com/71498053050150
Student application form: https://form.jotform.com/71515012750142

NOMINATIONS FOR NAMING PORTIONS OF FACILITIES
IN ALIEF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Alief ISD Board Policy CW (Local) specifies that the naming process of facilities includes the process for taking nominations for the naming of the facility if the Board of Trustees desires to name a structure. The athletic areas that have been nominated for naming are: Alief Taylor High School Fieldhouse – Adam Marin Fieldhouse; Chris Hardeman Fieldhouse If there is a nomination of a name for these athletic areas you wish to have considered, please send the name of the person you wish to nominate and list the reasons why the Board should consider that nomination. Send your nominations to [email protected] by January 4, 2021. The nominations will be considered by the Board of Trustees at a subsequent meeting after the deadline.

 

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
Our updated positivity rate is now at 10.5%, which is double our rate in October.  Please limit holiday gatherings, wash your hands, wear a mask, and get tested. #BetterTogether  #ProtectTheH
For more information, visit HoustonHealth.org.

RESOURCES