Our Mission

The IHRC is focused on building the wealth and enhancing the spiritual, physical, economic and social well-being of Independence Heights, through a community driven process that promotes historical preservation and neighborhood revitalization.

The IHRC is devoted to improving the quality of life for residents of Independence Heights by:

• Creating an opportunity for collaboration
• Assuring that the best interest of the community is represented in planning and development activities
• Supporting the work of individual organizations, partners and members that share our vision, mission and goals.
• Protecting and promoting the historical values of the community
• Spearheading, planning and implementing activities that facilitate community development including affordable housing, economic development, health and human services, education and public safety.

Our History
Spearheaded by the City of Houston Planning and Development Department, Independence Heights Redevelopment Council (IHRC) was formed after twelve members from the neighborhood were chosen to participate in "Project Leadership Institute". These twelve members represented various organizations already working in the neighborhood and were tasked with developing a project that would spur future community events and activities.

The twelve member team chose to form a "redevelopment council" as their project. This redevelopment council would allow leaders to continue to work and lead their own indvidual organizations as well as participate collectively in community activities.

The emergence of the council proved to be perfect timing as it was formed during the period that the City of Houston began focusing on the neighborhood for revitalization. Since its inception, the Independence Heights Redevelopment Council has been working to strengthen the community by identifying issues, formulating community plans and facilitating projects that benefit Independence Heights.

Our Vision
We envision the neighborhood of Independence Heights as a physically attractive, economically stable, socially thriving community with a strong foundation built on spiritual values and a historical past.

Our Statement of Collaboration
As members of the IHRC we believe it is most empowering to the community when organizations and agencies reflective of the make-up of that community provide programs and services that are accessible and culturally competent to it’s residents.

It is further empowering when internal and external agencies join forces on common ground sharing the same mission, vision and goals that are community driven and set a standard for doing the common good in our neighborhood. We believe collaboration breeds accountability, transparency and comprehensivenes.

The IHRC is vested in building this community, revitalizing this community, preserving this community all the while serving this community. We believe it is our most effective voice when we work together. Through collaboration a certain synergy exists that unifies our efforts into tremendous power and maximizes our ability to serve, strengthen and revitalize our community.

Our Community
Independence Heights was established as a separate city incorporated in 1915. The community is historic because it is the first city incorporated by African Americans in the State of Texas. To learn more about the demographics and current state of our community follow this link......... Our community is culturally diverse and comprised of an ethnic mix of people, actvities and events. To learn more about the history of our neighborhood follow this link........

Our Members
The Redevelopment Council is comprised of various agencies, organizations and groups working to improve the quality of life for people in Independence Heights. Each member organization functions independently to meet its own mission but also collectively to meet the mission of the Redevelopment Council. For more information about our members or to find out how you can join our council, please follow this link....

Our Partners
Our partners are strategically aligned to help us acheive our mission. They work hand in hand with many of our efforts bringing their expertise and experience to enhance our work. Our partners are committed to the mission of the Redevelopment Council and believe in the strengths of collaboration. For more information about our partners, please follow this link.........

Our Staff
Our staff of volunteers are dedicated and committed individuals that use their time, energy, expertise and skills to help us acheive our mission. They work tirelessly to maintain a professional atmosphere where our goals and aspirations can be fulfilled. To learn more about our staff of volunteers, please follow this link...........

Community: We incorporate the views of our various stakeholders and audiences, building on diversity as a strength and working in partnership with others to achieve results.

Effectiveness: We are resourceful, responsible stewards and seek to leverage resources to maximum impact.

Integrity: We will foster an environment of transparency and honesty that is built on respect and openness.

Results: We are accountable for achieving excellence through measurable, impactful outcomes.

Strategic Goals 2007

• Restore and preserve the historical aspects of our community.
  
• Create a revitalization plan
  
• Encourage diversity and inclusiveness in neighborhood activities
  
• Develop a strong network of organizations working together through shared vision
  
• Increase capital investment in our community.
  
• Build sustainable and meaningful relationships with all community stakeholders

Principles of Operation
Our vision is to strengthen and enhance the Independence Heights neighborhood as an The values, vision, knowledge and skills of IHRC members are a major determinant of its success.

• We are committed to the professional development of our people in order to enhance our capacity to achieve our mission.
• We draw strength from diversity and are committed to creating a wealth of perspectives and talents in pursuing our mission.
• We are committed to a high level of individual and team accountability within the entire organization, and to a solution orientation to problems.
• IHRC is committed to supporting creativity that generates fresh ideas and approaches for managing the organization and pursuing its mission.

Our vision is to strengthen and enhance the Independence Heights neighborhood as an economically and socially thriving community with a strong foundation of a historic past.