Author: Houston ToolBank

This week, the ToolBank is highlighting a project done by Living Paradigm CDC. During May, they had a group of volunteers come from Wisconsin and Prairie View A & M University to help with Harvey recovery efforts. They also had help from their sister organization, PVAMU Women in architecture. The students, who were all part of the American Institute of Architecture, took the opportunity to help a recovering family by applying their skillset of architectural design. After the event, the volunteers from PVAMU AIAS wrote about their experience saying “We would like to thank all the members and or students who came out to help. This family was given this house from an older family member and it was destroyed because of Hurricane Harvey. We took the challenge to come…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3R-vXTzmsg&feature=youtu.be Recently, VICE put together documentary with the National Association of Realtors about continued efforts to recover from Harvey. Even nearly two years later families like Porfirio De Leon’s continue to face challenges as they finish their houses. At the same time, those with resources are working to elevate their houses above the 1000 year floodplain and the city of Houston is working to change building regulations. So many ToolBank partners are part of the ongoing recovery efforts.

Last week, our warehouse manager José Rodriguez was honored at Avenue CDC’s 4th annual Stories of the Northside event. In conjunction with University of Houston Downtown and Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the oral history event showcases stories from the Northline community, and also recognizes community members and nonprofit members who have helped make an impact. As Avenue’s website says, “Since 2016, we have worked with community partners to document the stories of those who have lived in the community for generations, to celebrate their accomplishments, honor their experiences, and connect younger residents with the history of their neighborhood. By connecting the past to the present, we gain greater perspectives on where we’ve been and where we’re going, and the important role each individual has to pay in the unfolding story of…

https://vimeo.com/317296613"A single father of 3 on a teachers income explains how his insurance did not cover all of the work and upgrades needed for his home, and the difficulty of his rebuilding journey that he is doing on his own with very little support." I’m doing it all by myself, not getting much help; can’t afford any help. I know there are many of us in the same situation."Houston Responds, and its partner coalitions have launched the 'Far From Finished' campaign to raise awareness of the crisis that still exists in our communities and to engage more volunteers through local churches to expedite recovery for families in need.With the decline in media coverage of Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath, it’s easy to drive around Houston and surrounding cities and think things are…

 Southwest Houston United Responds, Inc. had a five day event from April 29-May 3rd in southwest Houston. Volunteers came from a variety of churches doing prison ministry in Huntsville, and this Harvey Relief project was only one of their many stops in the Houston community. Taking advantage of the relief from the heat and unpredictable weather, 29 volunteers worked on 2 homes throughout the week. They completed exterior painting and landscaping, moved two fences to improve homeowner’s security post-Harvey, and repaired a ceiling where a roof leaked. Using some of our basic tools like ladders and saws, they were able to make a big difference for homeowners who were affected by the Harvey floods. The Toolbank was great at supplying all the tools needed for out of town volunteers... We couldn’t have…

https://vimeo.com/332543049 Houston Responds, and it's partner coalitions have launched the "Far From Finished" campaign to raise awareness of the crisis that still exists in our communities and to engage more volunteers through local churches to expedite recovery for families in need.Local churches collectively represent a huge volunteer workforce and are uniquely positioned to know the needs of their communities. So, we have developed promotional campaign materials and are asking local churches to join us by promoting the campaign to their congregations to help get them engaged in volunteering.    The work is far from finished, but together we can make a difference!

Tim Pride (left) and Gary White (right) This week, we were lucky enough to chat with Tim Pride and Gary White as they toured the warehouse in preparation for an upcoming mission trip. Last summer, Mt Carmel Christian Church and Parkside Christian Church came to Houston to help with Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. They will return again in July with 80 plus passionate Ohioan volunteers to partner with 4B Disaster Services as they work on Harvey Rebuild efforts in League City, TX.  Tim and Gary visited the Houston ToolBank to scope out our blue tools and make a plan for the summer trip. For a larger group like this, coming from out of town means that they can't bring their own tools. By partnering with the ToolBank, they can focus on doing good rather than hunting…

The Houston Community ToolBank has had our After-Hours Facility for about a year now, thanks to support from the Rebuild Texas Fund. We have found that it is very convenient for many member agencies to pick up and drop off their tools and equipment outside of our business hours. The container has 4 separate rooms to accommodate our member agencies after-hours needs. David Cobb ,an artist and member agent of one of our frequent collaborators, TXRX Labs, decorated our containers. Watch the video below to learn more about the painting project and our after-hours facility. https://youtu.be/3ftZK1Xt5p4

We ended February strong at the ToolBank by participating in the Houston LGBTQIA+ Volunteer Fair. We were given our own table and signs to display the ToolBank's initiative, and explain our mission for the Houston community. We had the pleasure of chatting with various charities that give support to the LGBTQIA+ Community, and those who just wanted to spread their own nonprofit's vision and mission for the Houston community. [caption id="attachment_4414" align="alignnone" width="845"] ToolBank setting up our table for the fair![/caption] With over 15 different volunteer groups, each table at this fair had set up their table with treats and decorations highlightiner their mission for the Houston community. [caption id="attachment_4412" align="alignnone" width="845"] Association for Family and Community Integrity (AFCI)[/caption] Association for Family and Community Integrity shares their vision for a…