Understanding Houston

Houston was home to several Buffalo Soldier units. Their legacy lives on in our city's landmarks and community stories. Visit these local sites to discover more about their influence on Houston. Want to know more about veterans in our three-county region? Visit link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gdGe4RiJ

Did you know the Buffalo Soldiers were the first African American soldiers to serve in the U.S. Army after the Civil War? Established in 1866, these soldiers played a significant role in shaping American history. Follow along as we celebrate their legacy, leading to Buffalo Soldier Day on July 28th!

The iconic "Be Someone" graffiti is a bold statement that greets us all as we enter the I-45 South ramp parallel to that legendary Houston skyline view. This piece of urban art, first created in 2012, has become a symbol of motivation and empowerment for our community. It's also given us a chuckle being changed to things like "Be Mattress Mac" and "Be Sus," and has reminded us of social change through edits like "Wash your hands" and "George Floyd." So, what does it mean to "Be Someone" in our region? Understanding a big and diverse place like Houston means looking closely at what shapes our community. By studying important things like population growth, transportation, and safety, we learn a lot about our region's health. More residents bring economic growth and a variety of cultural influences, but they also challenge social services and old infrastructure. For people to do well, they need safe, reliable, and affordable transportation and to live in safe neighborhoods that support social connections, stable housing, and economic growth. You can learn more about what it means to be a part of the Houston region here: https://lnkd.in/g3ZnpU9r #UnderstandingHouston #BeSomeoneDay #HoustonPride #CommunitySpirit

In Houston, the zip code you're born in can determine a staggering 21-year difference in life expectancy. This isn't just a statistic—it's a call to action for all of us. Imagine a city where every child, regardless of their neighborhood, has access to the same opportunities for a long, healthy life. From expanding healthcare access to improving education and addressing socioeconomic disparities, we have the power to close this gap. Let's come together as a community, harness our collective strength, and ensure that every Houstonian has the chance to thrive. After all, a healthier Houston is a stronger Houston. 🌍❤️ 🔗 Visit the link to read more about the 21-year gap:https://lnkd.in/ggSYjgUz #HealthEquity #HoustonStrong #CommunityUnity

🌳✨ The Power of Parks: Boosting Our Community! ✨🌳 Did you know parks are more than just pretty places? They play a vital role in strengthening our neighborhoods and boosting our local economies! Here's how: 1. Economic Boost 💸: Parks attract tourists, driving spending in local shops, restaurants, and hotels. This influx helps our economy thrive and supports local businesses. 2. Higher Property Values 🏡: Living near a park means higher property values! This benefits homeowners and increases tax revenues, funding essential public services. 3. Health & Well-being 🏃♂️🧘♀️: Parks provide spaces for exercise and recreation, promoting physical and mental well-being. Whether jogging, yoga, or a peaceful walk, parks help us stay healthy and happy. Our parks are community treasures that drive economic growth, enhance property values, and foster healthier lives. Let's cherish and support them! 🌿🌟 (Kinder Institute for Urban Research) Follow us for more info during #ParksAndRecreationMonth on how parks matter to health and well-being in our region.

Understanding Houston has never been about just collecting data; we inform action, and help Houstonians better invest in our city and our residents. By measuring what matters, we do what matters. The Greater Houston Community Foundation's newest High-Impact Grantmaking initiative was informed by Understanding Houston data. By using data trends and engaging over a hundred community leaders, we solidified economic mobility as a priority and paramount concern for Houston. Now Greater Houston Community Foundation is leveraging collaborative grantmaking to improve economic mobility for our Houston neighbors. And we know others have used the data to inform their own action and decisions. Stay tuned as we share some of their impact stories! #UnderstandingHouston #MeasureWhatMatters #CommunityAction

Dear Houston, On this special 713 Day, we want to express our admiration and love for you. Your diversity, opportunity, and generosity make you an extraordinary place to call home. Houston, you are literally a land of growth and opportunity. Your population in the three-county region has more than doubled since 1980 to reach 6.3 million people. This remarkable growth is a testament to your ability to attract people from all walks of life, creating a vibrant and diverse community. As we reflect on Hurricane Beryl and the challenges it blew in, we are reminded of your generosity and resilience. You and your people face unrelenting adversities, whether they are climate disasters or pandemics. Yet neighbors continue to help neighbors, showing the world that no matter the storm, you will always rise and rebuild. Your strength, diversity, and endless possibilities make you a place like no other. With our gratitude, Understanding Houston PS: We aren't the only ones who think so. Check out Appreciate Houston to learn more. 🔗:https://lnkd.in/gQgBFKfA

Did you know, the zip code you live in can determine how long you may live? 👇 An analysis by Episcopal Health Foundation reveals a 21-year gap in life expectancy between Houston neighborhoods. 📊 In the Sunnyside community, less than five miles southeast of the Texas Medical Center, life expectancy is only 66 years, comparable to countries like Rwanda and Pakistan. Meanwhile, in Bellaire, just five miles west of the Medical Center, residents enjoy a much higher average life expectancy of 87 years. This stark contrast highlights the vast health disparities within a short 15-minute drive in Houston. Read more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ggSYjgUz

🚨 Houston Headlines 🚨 🌪️ A rare derecho swept through, marking the fifth in Texas in 40 years, causing deadly winds, eight fatalities, and widespread power outages. Kudos to the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance for their crucial support and recovery efforts! #HoustonStrong 🚀 The University of Houston lands a $5M NASA grant for an aerospace engineering research center to boost local space innovation and create high-skilled jobs. Houston's space legacy continues to soar! #SpaceCity #Innovation 🏡 Despite challenges, nearly 80% of Houstonians see homeownership as a wealth path. The 2024 Kinder State of Housing Report shows rising costs but also highlights growth in diverse communities. #HousingHouston #CommunityGrowth

If you could choose ONE thing to make Houston a better city, which would it be? Comment your pick, and tell us why it matters to you! 🌆👇 #Houston #HoustonStrong #HoustonCommunity