Houston Responds

Our own co-director had the privilege of serving as moderator, helping facilitate an important conversation with leaders from emergency management, public safety, utilities, public health, and community organizations about how we can better prepare, respond, and recover when disasters impact our communities.

In Houston, preparedness is about more than weathering a storm. Disasters can affect housing stability, access to food, mental health, and the long-term well-being of families. That's why building resilient communities requires collaboration between residents, local organizations, churches, businesses, and government agencies.

At Houston Responds, we believe that preparedness starts long before a disaster occurs. We are grateful for opportunities like this to bring people together, strengthen partnerships, and help equip our communities for whatever challenges may come.

How is your family preparing for hurricane season? Share your best preparedness tip below. ⬇️

Resource Workshop Launching 👏

At Houston Responds, we believe transformation happens when the Church doesn’t work alone, but in collaboration with trusted partners serving on the frontlines of our communities. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to an upcoming opportunity being hosted by Loving Houston.

On Tuesday, June 23, Loving Houston is hosting a Resource Workshop designed specifically for churches across Greater Houston who are looking to deepen their impact and expand their reach. Why Does This Matter? Many churches carry a deep desire to serve, but often need stronger connections to resources, programs, and organizations already doing the work. This workshop creates a space to bridge that gap, bringing together churches and community partners in one room to build meaningful, lasting relationships.

📅 Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Location: First Baptist Church Downtown

When disaster strikes, no single organization can meet every need alone. That's why we're bringing together church leaders, nonprofits, and community partners from across Houston for our next Flourish Forum, hosted in partnership with the American Red Cross.

Together, we'll explore how we can better prepare, coordinate, and respond when our neighbors need us most. From natural disasters to community crises, collaboration is key to building a stronger, more resilient city.

Every day, families are displaced by disasters and unexpected emergencies. This forum is an opportunity to learn, connect, and discover how we can work together to serve those facing their greatest time of need.
📅 Thursday, June 25
🕚 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 American Red Cross | Houston
Join us as we strengthen relationships, share best practices, and equip our communities to respond with compassion, readiness, and hope.

In just a few days, the world will be in Houston 🙏⚽🌎

We are expecting more than 500,000 visitors from across the globe to gather in our city as the World Cup takes center stage. For many, it will be their first experience with Houston. For some, it may be their first encounter with the love of Christ.

That's why churches, ministries, and believers across Greater Houston are uniting through Winning Houston—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to welcome the nations, serve our city, and share the hope of the Gospel.
This is bigger than an event. It's a moment to pray boldly, serve faithfully, build relationships, and leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond the final match.

Will you join us? ➡️ Learn more. Get involved. Be part of what God is doing through Winning Houston. https://winninghouston.blog

Update Alert! 🚨😊🌳

Back in May, Houston Responds ServeHTX partnered with Lakeland Elementary, local churches, and community volunteers to restore the school’s Community Garden. More than 30 volunteers helped prepare the space for future planting by removing weeds, spreading mulch, cleaning around trees, and assembling a storage shed. Students and families also joined throughout the morning, creating a strong sense of community support.

The project reflected a shared commitment to student enrichment, outdoor learning, and community partnership.

A special thank you to all volunteers and partner organizations who made the day possible, including Higher Expectations Church, Inspire Church Houston, United City Church, Kingwood Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church Kingwood, and Texas Native Landscape Supply for their generous mulch donation.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=4050687941902242

Hurricane season is here — are you ready? 🌪️

Join Houston Responds on June 6th as we partner in the inaugural Ready 365 Emergency Preparedness Expo to help our community prepare before storms hit.
This family-friendly event will feature preparedness resources, activities, giveaways, and practical tools to help you create a plan and stay ready during hurricane season. Houston city employees and community partners work year-round to keep our city prepared but preparedness starts at home.

Come learn simple steps you can take now to protect your family later. 💙

This week Houston Responds hosted our Preparedness Webinar focused on the power of connection, collaboration, and trusted communication in times of crisis.

Churches and community organizations play a critical role in helping people stay informed, prepared, and supported before, during, and after disasters. Thank you to all of our panelists, partners, and leaders who joined the conversation and shared valuable insights on how we can better serve our communities together.

Stronger networks. Trusted partnerships. More Resilient Communities.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Houston Responds Spring/Woodlands invites you to join a virtual “Ask Me Anything About Mental Health” live Q&A event.

Join us Thursday, May 28th from 7:00–8:30 PM on Zoom as trusted mental health professionals answer real questions and share practical tools, encouragement, and resources for individuals, families, schools, churches, and communities.
Whether you’re seeking support, insight, or simply want to better understand mental health, this conversation is for you. Let’s work together to break stigma, increase awareness, and strengthen community wellness.

📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
💻 Via Zoom
Register today!

Ask Me Anything About Mental Health (Live Q&A) Live Q&A for parents, teens, and community members. Ask mental health questions and receive real, practical guidance.

Houston Responds invites pastors, church leaders, ministry teams, and community partners to join an upcoming virtual preparedness webinar focused on how churches can serve as trusted communication hubs during major events and natural disasters.

As Houston prepares for FIFA events and the 2026 hurricane season, regional emergency management leaders and faith-based organizations will discuss preparedness efforts, communication strategies, volunteer coordination, and ways churches can support their communities before, during, and after disasters.

Panel participants include representatives from Houston OEM, Fort Bend OEM, VOAD, regional partners, and Houston Responds leadership.
Together, we can strengthen collaboration and build a more prepared and resilient Greater Houston region.

📅 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Join at: https://houstonresponds.zoom.us/meeting/register/zyNIfpvuTqGNIAk2_5CGhg #/registration

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸 Their sacrifice is a powerful reminder of courage, unity, and serving something greater than ourselves.

At Houston Responds, we’re grateful for those who continue to serve and care for our communities every day. Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day as we remember and give thanks.