Vol. 8, Issue 02- 1.23.2026

Friends,

Buckle up—we’re preparing for a cold one. Please take time today to order supplies, prepare your home, and check on loved ones.

This time last year, we were recovering from the 2025 snow freeze. While many enjoyed the snowfall, what made the biggest difference was that the power stayed on and disruptions were limited. But we also remember the anguish of the 2021 freeze. Current weather reports do not indicate anything similar, but preparation is still key.

As always, when the City anticipates severe weather, the District F Disaster Plan activates so we can respond quickly to the needs of our residents.

GENERATORS FOR RESIDENTS

Our fully funded plan includes 4–5 generators and a limited number of heaters provided by the Houston ToolBank. These resources have been requested and will be distributed first-come, first-served, with priority for:

  • Seniors

  • Families

  • Individuals with disabilities

Unfortunately, none of the City’s 12 warming centers are located on the westside. I requested a mobile generator at the Alief Neighborhood Center during Council on Wednesday, January 21st. In the meantime, we have enlisted the help of our committed community partners.

WARMING CENTERS IN DISTRICT F

A complete list of all 12 City warming centers is included below for your convenience.

HOMELESS RESPONSE

We remain in contact with Westside HPD and are coordinating outreach to individuals at known encampments to ensure safety during the freeze. My office has reached out to partners to secure blankets, socks and other items for those uncomfortable leaving their location. We are considering providing meals to our 50-100 identified homeless neighbors in the area. If you are interested in assisting, please sign up with the district volunteer team.

UPDATES FROM CENTERPOINT

CenterPoint has proactively communicated with our office and reassured us that:

  • The grid is prepared for the expected demand

  • Systems are in place to respond quickly if outages occur

Please bookmark CenterPoint’s live outage tracker and sign up for direct notifications.

RESOURCES

West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM)

10501 Meadowglen Ln, 77042

  • Monday, January 26th’ food distribution is canceled

  • Updates will be shared on WHAM’s social media and email list

DISTRICT F OPERATIONS

The District F office will close Friday, January 23rd at 1 PM and operate virtually for the remainder of the day.

If deployment is needed for response or recovery:

  • Staff will have limited email access

  • Non-emergency inquiries will be answered Monday, January 26th

Please rely on trusted local news outlets for real-time weather updates. Sign up for AlertHouston notifications directly to your phone/device.

With Regards,

Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas
Houston City Council, District F

HOT SPOT TEAM UPDATES

Total Work Orders: 30

Hotspot of the week: 4600 Boone

Total Man Hours Worked: 100/week

Tree Waste: 1250 lbs.

Mattresses: 6

Furniture Waste: 7 pieces

Tires: 21

Trash Debris: 1000 lbs.

Shopping Carts: 7

Bandit Signs: 98

Landscaping: 0

Trash Cans Delivered: 2

CITY COUNCIL

At Wednesday’s consolidated City Council meeting, Brian Mason, Executive Director of the City of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management and Randy Macchi, the Director of Houston Public Works both briefed Council on the anticipated freeze❄️expected this weekend, how to prepare and outlined their respective office’s operational plans.

Macchi advised residents NOT to leave their faucets dripping, as it can strain the city’s water distribution system.

Council Member Thomas also shared how District F is preparing to ensure readiness, which includes active outreach to all of our partners. See her remarks below📹⤵️

There are a number of warming centers throughout the region including Harris County Precinct 4’s Bayland Community Center at 6400 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074, which will open as a 24-hour shelter beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Please take advantage should you need them.

DISTRICT F UPDATES

Dangerous Building Hearing

The property at 3138 Ashlock Drive has been designated a dangerous building due to extensive fire damage and structural concerns. After multiple citations and inspections, the Houston Public Works has scheduled a public hearing on February 4. If you’d like to voice your concerns or provide a testimony on the property’s condition and its impact on the community, attend the Planning Commission hearing at 2:30 p.m. located at the City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby St. Public Level, Houston, TX. The public may also email questions and comments on the Agenda items to [email protected] or call the Planning Department Wednesday before the Planning Commission meeting. Your input matters.

The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program team has updated the program’s application and information packet to align with Houston Public Works brand to aid in an easier application process. Visit the Traffic Engineering webpage for more information.

Houston Public Works Updates

Construction on Dairy Ashford from Westheimer to Richmond began this week and will take approximately 46 days to complete. This work authorization is anticipated to be completed by March 06, 2026. The project contractor is Grava LLC. For any concerns contact Project Manager, Bryan Castex, Sr. at (832) 395-3234 or at (832) 395-2361.

Cook Road Concrete Repairs Completed

After a long time coming, the Public Works CIP project at 8300 Cook Rd is now complete. All concrete repairs and restoration work have been finalized, and the street fully opened to traffic on Jan. 20.

Council Member Thomas Talks Homeownership opportunities on KTSU

Council Member Thomas joined KTSU on January 17 to encourage Houstonians to attend a free homebuyer education seminar at Wesley A.M.E Church (12850 Cityscape Ave) on February 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Details forthcoming in a later newsletter. The event connects residents with real estate professionals, inspectors, appraisers, and local nonprofits offering resources for first-time buyers. CM Thomas also highlighted the City of Houston’s Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program (HbAP 2.0), which provides down payment assistance to eligible homebuyers.

Major Renovation Preserves Affordable Senior Housing in Eastex/Jensen

Council Member Thomas joined had the opportunity to speak at the W. Leo Daniels Open House on Jan. 15, an extensive rehabilitation completed at 8826 Harrell Street. The 8-story, 100-unit senior affordable housing community serves extremely low-income elderly and disabled residents. Built in 1979 and fully Section 8, the property was in critical need of upgrades to ensure resident health, safety, and long-term building performance.

Grand Opening at 800 Middle Street

Council Member Thomas joined Mayor Whitmire and city officials at the grand opening of The Pointe at Bayou Bend apartments at 800 Middle Street, a Houston Housing Authority low income property that has finally opened after occupancy of the $140 million project had been stalled since November 2024.

Alief Votes Blood Drive

Council Member Thomas joined Alief Votes on Jan. for their blood drive at the Alief Neighborhood Center. The blood drive welcomed 30 participants.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & INFORMATION

Winter Storm Uri Home Repair

The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department has simplified the application for the Single-Family Home Repair Program, making it faster and easier for homeowners impacted by Winter Storm Uri to apply for recovery assistance. Yes, funds are still available for eligible homeowners to receive up to $100,000 for home repairs (rehabilitation), up to $300,000 for full reconstruction, and up to $10,000 reimbursement for out-of-pocket storm repairs.

Don’t leave money on the table. Learn more by visiting: houstontx.gov/hcdrecovery/dr21

Get Involved in District F!

District F is calling on passionate residents to join our efforts especially in the midst of a severe winter storm! Sign up for volunteer opportunities and make a difference in your community.

Sign up here for general Volunteer Team opportunities.

Sign up here for our Volunteer Translation Team to assist with outreach and ensure all voices in our diverse district are heard.

Together, we can strengthen and support District F!
Alief Super Neighborhood Council Monthly Meetings

Hurricane Beryl Disaster Recovery Free Home Repairs
Ibn Sina Avicena Clinics Child and Parental Health Services

PERMITS

The Permit Activity Report provides activity information regarding any new construction, remodeling, or change-of-use permits by zip-code in an effort to inform citizens of activity in their neighborhoods.

Obtain additional information about permits by contacting Houston Public Works (HPW) via 311, or by visiting their Permitting Center website at www.houstonpermittingcenter.org. If you have further questions about any permits, please contact the Code Enforcement Group at 832-394-9494.

Additionally, the Plat Activity Report contains biweekly information from PlatTracker about plats, replats, public hearings, variances, and special exceptions to plats that will be considered at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting.

The report provides application information for each agenda item; compiled by the City of Houston Planning and Development Department. The excel format can be sorted based on particular data, such as location or council district.

The new PlatTracker is now available online. To access the portal, please visit https://plattracker.powerappsportals.us

For questions or additional information contact the Development Services Planner of the Day at (832) 393-6624.

CONTACT THE DISTRICT F TEAM