Dear District K Friends:

November is a time to reflect on gratitude for our families, our neighborhoods, and the resilient spirit that makes District K so special. This season reminds us of the power of community, service, and connection, and how much stronger we are when we come together.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find important updates about city programs, community resources, and events happening across the district. From infrastructure improvements to food distributions and neighborhood beautification efforts, there’s a lot to celebrate and even more to look forward to.

This month also offers a special moment to honor our Veterans. I encourage everyone to take time to thank the men and women who have served and sacrificed to protect our freedoms. Their courage and commitment remind us of the true meaning of service — a value that defines District K.

As we approach the holidays, let’s continue to look out for one another, give back where we can, and stay connected. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant District K that reflects the heart of Houston.

In Service

Martha

 

Honoring Our Heroes: Celebrating Veterans

This month, we pause to celebrate and say thank you to the incredible men and women who have served our country and continue to make a difference right here at home. Veterans across District K and all over our city remind us what courage, sacrifice, and service truly mean.

The Windsor Village Civic Club’s Veterans Recognition Ceremony was a wonderful celebration filled with gratitude, smiles, and stories of strength. The District K Team joined neighbors to honor those who’ve worn the uniform and continue to serve our community in countless ways.

Their dedication inspires us to give back, lift each other up, and keep building a community that takes care of one another.

The photos above are from the Windsor Village Veterans celebration. A beautiful reminder of the pride, unity, and heart that make District K special.

 

CITY UPDATES & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

Learn from the Pros of Permitting

Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes when you apply for a city permit? Here’s your chance to find out!

The Houston Permitting Center is hosting its Annual Workshop: Pros of Permitting on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the United Way Center (50 Waugh Dr.). The event is free and is the perfect opportunity to learn directly from the experts who know the process best.

You’ll hear from city professionals who review plans, answer your permitting questions, and help projects move forward every day. They’ll cover everything from the 30-Day Residential Plan Review to the most frequently asked questions about the approval process.

Whether you’re a homeowner planning a remodel or someone who just wants to better understand how things work, this workshop will give you real insight into how the city helps projects get built safely and efficiently.

Spots are limited, so grab yours today!

🔗 Register here

 

Sidewalk Improvements Coming to Westridge

Good news for Westridge neighbors — safer, smoother sidewalks are on the way!

Houston Public Works is giving Westridge Street a much-needed upgrade the work should be completed by the end of 2025. New sidewalks are being installed along the north side near Buffalo Speedway, making it easier and safer for neighbors to walk, jog, or simply enjoy being out in the community.

The project includes replacing damaged or uneven sidewalks, adding new 5-foot-wide concrete sections, and ensuring smooth connections to existing driveways and ramps. Crews will also coordinate closely with property owners to minimize disruptions and protect nearby trees and utilities throughout construction.

These improvements are part of the City’s Sidewalk Program, which focuses on creating safer, more connected neighborhoods for everyone. Once complete, residents will enjoy a smoother, more comfortable path for getting around the area on foot.

Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum appreciates your patience as this work is completed and remains committed to supporting infrastructure improvements that make District K even more walkable and welcoming.

#DistrictK #Infrastructure #BuildingCommunity

 

Sonata Court Also Getting Sidewalk Improvements

More progress is on the way for our District K neighborhoods! This time, it’s Sonata Court’s turn for a sidewalk refresh.

Last week crews began replacing cracked or uneven sidewalks and adding new wheelchair ramps along Sonata Court from 16730 Sonata Court to Santa Christi Drive. The upgrades will make it safer and easier for neighbors to walk, exercise, and stay connected.

The work is expected to wrap up in early December. Houston Public Works will do its best to limit any inconvenience while the improvements are underway.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as these upgrades take shape — little by little, we’re building a more walkable, welcoming community for all of District K! 💚

#DistrictK #Infrastructure #BuildingCommunity

 

Keeping District K Safe

Public safety continues to be a top priority for Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum, and recent data from the Houston Police Department’s 2025 Crime by Council District Report shows encouraging results for District K.

Overall, District K remains one of the safest areas in the city, with crime levels well below the citywide average. Year to date, violent crime in the district has stayed relatively stable, and property-related offenses such as burglary and auto theft have shown modest declines compared to the same period last year.

While there’s always more work to do, these numbers reflect the impact of strong community partnerships, active civic clubs, and residents who remain alert and involved. Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum continues to work closely with HPD leadership to strengthen patrol presence, support neighborhood watch programs, and foster open communication between law enforcement and residents.

Programs like National Night Out, Meet the Chief, and local Civic Club meetings are helping keep District K connected and informed reminding us that safety is truly a shared effort.

District K continues to set an example of what’s possible when neighbors work together to protect and care for their community.

Click here to view the full report.

 

Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule

The City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) wants to make sure residents are ready for upcoming holiday schedule changes.

Veterans Day – Tuesday, November 11, 2025

There will be no interruption to your regular collection schedule on Veterans Day. Everything will run as usual.

On Wednesday, November 12, all Solid Waste facilities, including drop-off centers and administrative offices, will be open and operating normally.

Thanksgiving Week – Thursday, November 27, 2025

Collections will pause on Thanksgiving Day so employees can spend the holiday with their families.

  • Thursday pickups will move to Friday, November 28
  • Friday pickups will move to Saturday, November 29

Be sure to have your garbage and recycling bins out by 7:00 a.m. on your adjusted collection day.

For details or updates, visit houstontx.gov/solidwaste or call 3-1-1.

Let’s all do our part to keep Houston clean, green, and beautiful this holiday season!

 

Free Medicare Benefits Counseling Available

Need help reviewing your Medicare plan for 2026? The Harris County Area Agency on Aging, part of the Houston Health Department, is offering free, unbiased counseling during Medicare’s open enrollment period, now through December 7, 2025.

Counselors can help you compare plans, review your coverage, and find ways to save through the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy). They’ll also remind you that insulin costs are capped at $35 per month with no deductible.

Appointments are available in person, by phone, or online. Be sure to have your Medicare card, medication list, and proof of income ready.

📞 Call 832-393-4301 or 800-213-8471 (for ages 60+), or 1-855-YES-ADRC (1-855-937-2372) for those under 60.

New coverage begins January 1, 2026. Visit Medicare.gov to preview plans.

 

Houston At-Large Council Race Heads to Runoff

The race for Houston’s next At-Large, Position-4 City Council seat isn’t over yet!

Lobbyist and former District D Councilmember Dwight Boykins and attorney Alejandra Salinas are heading to a runoff election on December 13 after a close finish in the November election.

With just a few weeks until the runoff, Houstonians will once again have the chance to make their voices heard in this closely watched citywide race.

🗓️ Stay tuned for final election details and early voting dates once they’re officially released.

At-Large Council Members play an important role in representing the entire city — not just one district so your vote truly makes a difference in shaping Houston’s leadership and future.

 

New Homeless Resource Center Approved for East Downtown

Change is coming to Houston’s East Downtown. City Council just approved a $16 million “super hub” homeless living center on Emancipation Avenue, designed to help people get off the streets and back on their feet.

The new center will be a one-stop resource offering housing support, mental health and substance abuse services, and pathways to stability for those who need it most. It’s considered a “low-barrier” facility, meaning people can access help without strict requirements like sobriety.

To help keep the area safe, the site will include a full-time HPD presence with eight officers and a sergeant operating as a “mini-substation.” The city’s civility zone protections, which prohibit public camping and certain loitering activities, will also extend around the facility.

Once open, the center is expected to serve 240 to 320 people, with doors scheduled to open in early 2026. The first few years of operation will be funded through federal disaster recovery dollars, with future support expected from philanthropy and the city’s general fund.

City leaders say this marks a major milestone in the effort to end street homelessness in Houston.

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

 

Home Repair Assistance Available for Winter Storm Damage

If your home was damaged during Winter Storm Uri, help is available through the City of Houston’s 2021 Winter Storm Single-Family Home Repair Program.

The program offers qualified homeowners up to:

  • 💰 $100,000 for home repairs
  • 🏗️ $300,000 for full reconstruction
  • 🔧 $10,000 for reimbursement of out-of-pocket storm repairs

The application process has been simplified, making it faster and easier to get the help you need. The city’s housing team is available to guide residents through every step from checking eligibility to submitting paperwork.

✅ Learn more and apply: houstontx.gov/hcdrecovery/dr21

📞 Questions? Call 832-394-6200 or email singlefamilyeligibility@houstontx.gov

Don’t wait — see if you qualify and get started today!

 

Unlocking Opportunity: Building Wealth & Homeownership

Ready to take the next step toward financial freedom and homeownership? Don’t miss the Unlocking Opportunity Tour: Houston, happening Saturday, November 15 from 10 AM – 1 PM at The FountainLife Center (14083 Main St., Houston, TX 77035).

This free, community-focused event will bring together financial and real estate experts to share practical tips on building wealth, homeownership, and financial foundations.

The lineup includes keynote speaker Larese Purnell, author and co-founder of Financial Foundations University, and Colin Allen, Executive Director of the American Property Owners Alliance, along with an incredible panel of local leaders including Lamonica Love, Kimberley Barnes-Henson, Michael G. Davis, Greta Jordan-Williams, and Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose.

🎉 Bonus: Four attendees will each win $500 (must be present to win).

🍽️ A free catered meal will be provided, and admission is free, but seating is limited so plan to arrive early!

This is your chance to gain valuable knowledge, connect with experts, and take a step closer to your financial goals.

 

Find Food and Support Near You

We all hit tough times now and then, and a little extra support can make a big difference. That’s why the City of Houston Food & Resource Distributions Guide has been updated it’s your one-stop list for upcoming food distributions and community resources happening across the city.

Whether you’re looking for fresh groceries, essential supplies, or connections to local services, this guide makes it easy for you and your neighbors to find what you need, when you need it.

Take a moment to look through it, share it with someone who could use a hand, and help spread the word. Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes without support.

📘 View or download the guide: COH Resource Guide

💬 Know someone who could use it? Send it their way a simple share can make a big difference.

 

BakerRipley Community Food Fairs

We all need a little help sometimes and BakerRipley is working to make sure no one goes without. In partnership with the Houston Food Bank, BakerRipley hosts four community food fairs each month, providing fresh produce (and other groceries when available) to more than 200 households at each event.

These monthly distributions take place at BakerRipley community centers across Houston and are open to anyone in need of nutritious food and support.

Because of recent SNAP benefit cuts, demand has grown so BakerRipley is adding extra food fair dates in November to reach even more families.

While there are no events scheduled within District K, the Gulfton-Sharpstown Campus may be a convenient option for nearby residents.

📅 Check the 2025 Food Fair Schedule for dates and locations on the BakerRipley website.

🍎 Everyone is welcome. Please bring bags or boxes to carry your groceries.

Together, we can help ensure every family in Houston has access to healthy, nourishing food this season.

 

Food Bank Partners with Bethel’s Family

The Food Bank and Bethel’s Family in District K are helping families across our community get the food and resources they need.

Every Tuesday in November, Bethel’s Heavenly Hands (12525 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77035) will serve as one of the Houston Food Bank’s Neighborhood Supersites for large-scale food distribution.

📅 Dates:

  • November 4, 11, and 18
  • 🕗 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Spread the word and help a neighbor you never know who might need a little extra support during these times.

 

Keep Brays Oaks Clean and Beautiful

Let’s keep our community clean and welcoming! If you spot graffiti, it’s easy to report and help make a difference.

  • Step 1: Report all graffiti to the City of Houston’s 311 service.

You can call 311, use the Houston 311 app, or visit HoustonTX.gov/311.

Be sure to include a photo, location, and nearest cross street when submitting your report.

Together, we can keep Brays Oaks beautiful and graffiti-free for everyone! 💚

#DistrictK #BraysOaks #KeepHoustonBeautiful #CommunityStrong

 

Help Shape the Corinthian Pointe Walking Trail

TIRZ 9 (South Post Oak Redevelopment Authority) is hosting a Community Engagement Meeting to share updates on the Corinthian Pointe Walking Trail Project a plan to create safe, scenic connections to Sims Bayou, local schools, and nearby neighborhoods.

📅 Tuesday, November 18, 2025

🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM

📍 Kingdom Builders Center, Room 2111

6011 W. Orem Dr., Houston, TX 77085

Come out, hear the latest plans, and share your ideas! Can’t attend in person? You can still give feedback online here: rashieyeid.com/walking-trail

Your voice matters — let’s work together to make this project something the entire community can enjoy!

#DistrictK #CorintianPointe #KeepHoustonBeautiful

 

Neighbors Unite to Reignite Super Neighborhood 40

Super Neighborhood 40 is back in action and we’re just getting started!

More than 50 engaged residents came together, bringing new energy, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to strengthening our community. The room was buzzing with purpose and possibility!

Next up: drafting bylaws to keep this movement organized and growing. Our newly formed committee is ready to dig in and turn plans into progress.

This is community leadership in action neighbors stepping up, working together, and building a stronger, safer, more connected District K. Stay tuned for the next meeting date!

#DistrictK #SuperNeighborhood40 #CommunityDriven #CivicEngagement

 

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS & EVENTS

🍂 Fall Fun, Community Spirit & Giving Back in District K!

There’s so much happening across District K this season from festivals and family fun to giving back and going green! Here’s what’s coming up:

🎉 South Gessner Fall Festival

Thursday, November 13 | 2 PM – 5 PM

HPD South Gessner Station, 8605 Westplace Dr.

Enjoy food trucks, games, music, and raffle prizes fun for the whole family!

🎡 Family Fun Day Fall Festival

Saturday, November 22 | 10 AM – 2 PM

Linkwood Community Center, 3699 Norris Dr.

Hosted by HPARD’s Team Service with a day full of activities, games, and community fun!

🎁 Houston Police Department South Gessner Toy Drive

Join us in spreading holiday cheer by donating new, unwrapped toys for children and families in need this season. Every gift helps make the holidays brighter!

🎃 Pumpkin Compost Drop-Off

Don’t trash it compost it! Bring your pumpkins to help turn Halloween leftovers into something good for the earth.

📍 Reuse Warehouse – 9003 N. Main St.

📍 Westpark Recycling Center – 5900 Westpark Dr.

🕗 Tuesday–Saturday, 8 AM – 5 PM

Learn more: bit.ly/4ouHWNI

Let’s keep the District K spirit alive — celebrate, give back, and help make Houston cleaner and greener! 💚

#DistrictK #CommunityStrong #FallFun #KeepHoustonBeautiful #GiveBack

 

Celebrating 66 Years of Faith and Impact

Congratulations to The Fountain of Praise on marking 66 amazing years of ministry! Your legacy of faith, service, and excellence continues to touch lives across Houston and beyond.

A special thank you to Pastor Remus E. Wright and Co-Pastor Mia K. Wright for your steadfast leadership and your heart for the community. You continue to inspire us all to serve with purpose and compassion.

Congratulations as well to all of this year’s 2025 award honorees especially our outstanding Chief of Staff, Perdita Chavis, who was honored with the Stella Trimble Service Award! 💚

Having received this same award in 2018, I know firsthand the deep honor of being recognized for service rooted in humility and love for others. I’m so proud to work alongside a team that embodies those same values every day. We truly are blessed!

#TheFountainOfPraise #66YearsStrong #FaithInAction #HeartForService #StellaTrimbleAward #TeamDistrictK #Leadership #Community