The Thomas Telegraph | SPECIAL EDITION Mobile Care Day Recap + Deed Restriction Workshop | Vol. 8, Issue 8 – Apr. 10, 2026

Much of the national conversation has shifted away from proven, data-driven solutions like Housing First, and toward models that center treatment alone.

But complexity does not change the evidence.

On Saturday, during Easter weekend, I was reminded — once again — what the data has always shown.

I hosted a mobile shower and resource event serving 17 encampments across the westside of Houston. In partnership with so many we provided immunizations, clothing, basic health checks, showers, haircuts and more.

None of this would have been possible without the support of agencies and individuals who were ready to tackle big and hard visions.

I am forever changed. See highlights below.

I met neighbors whose paths into homelessness were vastly different:

A 37-year-old woman who aged out of foster care without ever receiving the full benefits she was promised. Distrusting of systems who gave her the run around.

A 40 -year-old man who lost his hearing and with it, his job as a CDL driver leaving him unemployed and without access to healthcare and separated from his family.

A 65-year old veteran of the U.S. Marines who shared he is living with cancer and although his time on Earth is limited he wants to help others. He deputized himself as my street sergeant, to be my eyes and ears on the streets. Honored he would trust me.

A family of six, living day to day in a motel, just trying to keep their school- aged children cared for and dignified.

Different stories. Different systems that failed them.

But one thing was the same.

Every single person lit up when we talked about stable housing — about the possibility of an extended stay at local motel, about a door that locks, about rest.

That’s because housing is not the reward at the end of the process. It is the foundation that makes everything else possible. There is no silver bullet but there is a proven path. And it starts with housing.

The above billboard is slated to receive 699K impressions this month, may the impressions ignite 699,000 new partners who understand that we are all an emergency away from experiencing homelessness.

Thank you to Clear Channel Outdoor and West Houston Assistance Ministries for their leadership, partnership, and commitment to moving our neighbors from scarcity to stability.

DEED RESTRICTION WORKSHOP

Next Saturday, April 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., we are returning to the Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, TX 77042 for our 3rd annual deed restriction workshop to provide homeowners and civic leaders with the tools they need to protect and maintain our neighborhoods.

We are proud to be joined once again by our long-standing partners, including Rice & Rice Law Firm, City Legal, Houston Public Works, the Harris County Tax Assessor and the Department of Neighborhoods.

Please register here in advance so we can plan to provide a light breakfast. We also encourage you to bring a copy of your specific neighborhood covenants for reference during the session.

Together, we are making a meaningful difference.

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

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.