Understanding Houston

This October, we're diving deep into key housing terms that are essential for understanding our community. Here's what you need to know: 1. Housing Price Index (HPI): Tracks price changes in repeat sales or refinancing, allowing for reliable comparisons of single-family home prices across regions. 2. Housing Cost-Burdened: Households that spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 3. Affordability Gap: The difference between what individuals can afford to pay for housing and actual housing costs. 4. Eviction Filings: The legal process where a landlord delivers a "notice to vacate" and files to evict a tenant. 5. 4 Categories of Homelessness: - Unsheltered: People without nighttime residence living in places not meant for habitation. - Imminent Risk: Those at imminent risk of losing their home with no resources. - Unaccompanied Youth: Youth under 25 without stable housing. - Domestic Violence Survivors: Individuals fleeing domestic violence without residence or support. 6. Sheltered: Staying in shelters or temporary housing. 7. Affordable Housing: Housing that costs no more than 30% of a household's income. 8. Permanent Housing (Housing First Model): Prioritizing permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness as quickly as possible. Let's empower ourselves with this knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions this month! #UnderstandingHouston #Housing101 #OctoberLearning

Are you prepared, Houston? Check out these four essential preparedness tips from the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance to ensure you and your family are ready for an emergency: 1️⃣ Build a kit: Gather your emergency supplies before you need them. 2️⃣ Stay informed: Know where to get reliable updates during an emergency. 3️⃣ Make and practice your plan: Create a family plan and rehearse it regularly. 4️⃣ Know your neighbors: Strong communities help each other in times of crisis. These steps are crucial for protecting our loved ones and our city. Visit the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, a partnership between the Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston, for more info and to get your complete preparedness guide: https://lnkd.in/gu5uFKiS #HoustonStrong #DisasterPreparedness

During Hispanic Heritage Month, it's important to recognize the significant demographic shifts shaping regions like Greater Houston. Since 2000, the racial composition of Greater Houston's population has changed dramatically, with Hispanic and Asian-American communities experiencing substantial growth. This transformation has propelled the region into one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the United States. Specifically, the Hispanic population in Harris County has increased by an impressive 87% since 2000. This surge reflects migration trends and the rich cultural contributions Hispanic communities bring to the region. From vibrant festivals and culinary diversity to influential contributions in arts, education, and business, the impact of the Hispanic community is deeply woven into the fabric of Greater Houston. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, these statistics underscore the importance of acknowledging and honoring the dynamic growth and contributions of Hispanic individuals. Their influence continues to shape the cultural, social, and economic landscape of Greater Houston, making it a thriving and diverse metropolis. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/eVMY8ZeB #HispanicHeritage #HispanicHeritageMonth #Unityindiversity #HispanicHeritageMonthHouston #Latinx #Latino #Latina

Did you know? Between 2016 and 2019, the average number of mentally unhealthy days per month increased in the U.S. from 3.8 to 4.5 days and in Texas from 3.4 to 4.2 days. Mental health is deeply connected to physical health, and poor mental health can significantly decrease the quality of life. In Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties, this issue became more pronounced, with nearly a full-day increase in mentally unhealthy days, while Harris County stayed stable. 💡 It's crucial to understand these trends and their impact. Learn more about mental distress and its effects by visiting: https://lnkd.in/ghMFYCZ3 📞 If you or someone you know needs help, remember that free and confidential support is available 24/7. Call, text, or chat with the 9-8-8 Lifeline anytime. #MentalHealthMatters #988Lifeline #UnderstandingHouston

Houston Restaurant Weeks is more than just great food. It's a celebration of small businesses that power our city. For many, entrepreneurship is a path to opportunity, especially in communities of color. Owning a small business can help under-resourced residents overcome barriers and build wealth. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and. They make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses according to the U.S Small Business Administration. In Fort Bend County, small businesses grew 73%, and Texas overall saw a 17% increase in small businesses in the last decade. In Houston, small businesses are everywhere. From the software you use to the coffee you drink, they shape our daily lives. As we enjoy Houston Restaurant Weeks, let's also celebrate the small businesses that keep our city thriving. To learn more about small businesses in our region, visit: https://lnkd.in/gZsZgmba

Here's the news you should know: 🌡️ Houston Faces Record-Breaking Heatwave🌡️ Houston is enduring its hottest day of 2024, with temperatures soaring to 101°F, part of a weeklong heatwave. The National Weather Service issued an "Excessive Heat Warning" with heat indices reaching up to 116°F, urging residents to stay safe. Cooling centers are available across the city, and while some relief is expected, this summer remains one of the hottest on record. 🥵 🚍 METRO Modernizes with Tap-to-Pay Fare System 🚍 The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Houston introduces a new tap-to-pay system for commuters, now accepting Apple Pay, Google Pay, and chip-enabled cards. This upgrade aims to enhance efficiency and accessibility, though a $2 fee will apply for new or replacement Q cards. This new payment system marks a significant step toward modernizing public transit in Houston. 🚌💳 🎓 University of Houston Welcomes Largest Freshman Class 🎓 The University of Houston sets a new milestone, welcoming over 6,200 new students for the fall 2024 semester—a 10% increase from previous years! This record-breaking freshman class reflects UH's growing reputation as a top-tier institution. Transfer student enrollments have also increased, and graduate programs remain strong. UH continues to prioritize student engagement and success. Go Coogs! 🐾📚 #HoustonNews #HoustonHeatwave #METROHouston #UniversityOfHouston #HigherEducation #StaySafeHouston #CougarPride

This Labor Day, we honor the hardworking individuals whose dedication fuels our nation's progress. In the Houston region, industry and job growth have been extraordinary, making it a hub for business opportunities. The Houston region ranks third in the number of Fortune 500 headquarters, and Texas has led the country in economic development for ten years. Job growth is an important measure of economic expansion and the overall strength of the job market. It is a leading indicator of the health of the economy since strong job growth indicates a healthier economy. Between 2010 and 2021, job growth in Houston's three-county region grew faster than the national rate (16%). Between 2010 and 2021, the number of jobs grew 72% in Fort Bend, 23% in Harris, and 58% in Montgomery counties, compared to 16% in the nation and 28% in Texas overall. As we celebrate Labor Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the hardworking individuals who are driving this incredible growth in the Houston region. Your dedication is the foundation of our community's success! (Greater Houston Partnership)

In 2018, 39% of Texans had subprime credit scores, compared to 30% nationally. Within the Houston region, Harris County had the highest proportion of residents with subprime credit, at 40%. Fort Bend County and Montgomery County had lower proportions, with 30% and 33% of residents, respectively, holding subprime credit. Individuals with subprime credit scores, defined as those below 660, face significant challenges, such as higher interest rates and fewer borrowing options, which can trap them in cycles of debt. Despite these challenges, each of these areas has seen a downward trend in subprime credit scores since 2010, indicating some improvement in residents' financial health. The prevalence of subprime credit is an important indicator of the region's overall ability to access credit and the economic well-being of its residents. To learn more about access to credit and household debt in the Houston region, visit: https://lnkd.in/gSVi9Myu

The Greater Houston Community Foundation recently hosted a Donor Breakfast that highlighted the significant contributions of Black Impact Houston. Black Impact Houston is an alliance of nonprofit organizations that are led by Black people and/or that have a mission that primarily benefits Black communities. Attendees had the opportunity to hear inspiring stories of community transformation and learn about how this alliance makes a difference. The breakfast also served as a platform for deepening engagement and collaboration among donors and community advocates. For a detailed look at the impactful stories shared and the future plans discussed, visit the full article: https://lnkd.in/gyRF4J5V

Pre-K enrollment in Harris County fell by 24% in the 2020-21 school year - the first full school year following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the most recent 2023-24 school year, Harris County Pre-K enrollment had not yet rebounded to pre-pandemic numbers. To learn why this matters, visit UnderstandingHouston.org.