Jane Long Academy & Las Americas Newcomer School

November 7, 2020

These two schools share the same campus in the Gulfton community and served as a supply distribution center for more than 400 families after Hurricane Harvey. The campus serves a large refugee student population and is the first point of entry into academia for many.

We refurbished the Jane Long Academy’s outdoor space including building an outdoor classroom, seating, and communal lounge space. At Los Americas Newcomer School, volunteers added pops of color throughout the campus including a school mascot mural, and upgraded outdoor learning areas including creating a trauma-sensitive garden, landscaping, and peer meditation spaces.

Blodgett Urban Gardens

November 8, 2020

The garden is on 2.3 acres and about two-thirds of the land is planted. We worked to support Blodgett Urban Gardens in their goal to refurbish the space and have it fully cultivated by the end of 2021.

Independence Heights

November 11, 2020

Homes in Independence Heights are continually affected by hurricanes and tropical storms. In partnership with Independence Heights Redevelopment Council, we focused on exterior painting and landscaping for homes affected by flood damage so that residents can return to their lives. 

We also provided signage and beautification efforts that helped the community in their goal to be recognized as a part of the Emancipation Trail, a 51-mile trail that would show the migration route used by newly freed slaves and other people of African descent in the 19th century. As one of the first black communities, and recorded as its own city in the 1920 Census, we helped Independence Heights display the stories and landmarks of their community as a result of our project.

Kashmere High School

November 14, 2020

We refreshed the space outdoors and created outdoor study spaces on school grounds. We also refreshed the interior of the building to add school colors and school spirit, and completed outdoor landscaping to further beautify the campus.

Veterans Retreat Center

November 15, 2020

The VRC acts as a gathering space for community members, families, and groups to spend time connecting outdoors and was severely impacted by Hurricane Harvey. We worked together to refresh and restore the outdoor areas of the Veteran Retreat Center.