Understanding Arts and Culture in Houston How our region’s creative resources benefit residents — some more than others The importance of art in our communities extends far beyond entertainment. Houston’s vibrant creative community also has tremendous benefits for both our economy and our diverse population. However, those benefits are not spread equitably through our region, …
Category Archives: Topic
Air & Water Quality
Air and Water Quality Air and water quality has improved over the last couple decades but remain at levels that can harm public health, particularly the most vulnerable. Despite improvement in air and water pollution levels in Houston’s three-county region over the last two decades, People of Color and low-income communities continue to bear a …
Climate Change & Renewable Energy
Climate Change & Renewable Energy As our region continues to experience the effects of climate change, the role of renewable energy sources grows more important. While current greenhouse gas emission levels in Greater Houston have remained flat in the last decade, our region has become hotter and wetter. Climate change risks are projected to increase …
Environment
Understanding environment amid a changing climate in Houston How our region’s air and water quality and climate change impacts affect our environment, health and future well-being Fundamental to our existence are clean air, potable water, and temperatures being “just right” on Earth. And while eight billion people share this planet, most environmental impacts are felt …
Housing Vulnerabilities
Housing Vulnerabilities Unsafe or unstable housing continues to threaten the health, well-being, and economic security of Houston-area residents. Many low-income households lack the necessary resources to afford soaring rents and bounce back from disasters, leaving them more vulnerable to unsafe housing conditions, eviction or even homelessness. Why housing vulnerabilities matter to Houston Hundreds of thousands …
Housing Affordability & Ownership
Housing Affordability & Ownership Housing is the single largest expense for most households and has become less affordable for renters. Homeownership rates in Houston’s three-county region have not budged from what they were about a decade ago, and they remain disproportionately low among low-income and non-white households. More households are more likely to rent, reflecting …
Housing
Understanding Housing in Houston Access to affordable and safe housing is critical to the health, quality of life, and well-being of all residents. Hundreds of thousands of Houston-area residents face housing insecurities, vulnerabilities, and inequities. Many of our neighbors are burdened by housing costs and economic insecurity, and they have been negatively impacted by multiple …
Health Risks & Outcomes
Health Risks & Outcomes Despite reductions in cancer mortality and lower rates of premature death than the state and nation, a sizable percentage of Houstonians continue to experience poor physical health and well-being More Houstonians have become sedentary, food insecure, unwell, obese and diabetic in recent years, with people of color disproportionately burdened by health …
Mental Health
Mental Health Mental health problems are very common in the Houston region, yet Texans continue to struggle in accessing mental health care Our region has seen a recent increase in mental distress frequency, drug use and suicides, exacerbating the existing mental health challenges across the Houston region. While the number of mental health care workers …
Health Care Access
Health Care Access Too few Houston-area residents are able to access affordable, high-quality health care consistently, contributing to poor health outcomes for a significant portion of our neighbors Uninsured rates in the three-county Houston region have steadily increased since 2016, while physician availability and preventable hospital stays have improved. Why access to health care matters …