Welcome to the Independence Heights Redevelopment Council
The Independence Heights Redevelopment Council (IHRC) is a non-profit neighborhood organization that empowers members of Independence Heights to be the primary agents for the improvement of social, economic and livable standards for their neighborhood. Established in 2007, IHRC is comprised of community stakeholders including faith leaders, organizational leaders, residents, business owners and school personnel. Together we work to bring about positive social change and empower the community by serving as a vehicle for active community involvement.
We encourage you to learn more about our historic community and get involved in helping us preserve our history and revitalize our neighborhood. Visit our community website that details more information about Independence Heights. Follow this link: www.independenceheights.org.
We encourage you to learn more about our historic community and get involved in helping us preserve our history and revitalize our neighborhood. Visit our community website that details more information about Independence Heights. Follow this link: www.independenceheights.org.
Independence Heights Celebrates with Houston
In 2011, Houston celebrated a birthday. Looking back at the history of Houston and its beginnings, it is important to note the contributions of people and places. Independence Heights is one of Houstons most historic communities as it is known as the first city incorporated by African Americans in the State of Texas. A host of events were held in commemoration of this occasion and IHRC made sure, Independence Heights was represented in the mix of things. IHRC staff presented a workshop during the Houston History Associations Conference. The community talk highlighted the current activities for historic preservation and the challenges here in Houston.
During the celebration, Independence Heights schools were highlighted at the Education Exhibit over a week long period.
During the celebration, Independence Heights schools were highlighted at the Education Exhibit over a week long period.
Independence Heights Northline Livable Centers Study
In 2010, IHRC was successful in obtaining a grant for a "Livable Centers Study". Supported by the City of Houston and co-sponsored by the Greater Northside Management District, the study will focus on improving two corridors that include North Main and Crosstimbers. The study started in November 2011 when stakeholders convened to share ideas and aspirations for the two corridors. In a well attended public meeting, design consultants revealed the preliminary results of each stakeholder meeting.
In 2012, plans will continue to be reviewed and a final plan will be revealed to the general public in April.
For more information on the study, please visit www.h-gac.com.
In 2012, plans will continue to be reviewed and a final plan will be revealed to the general public in April.
For more information on the study, please visit www.h-gac.com.
GO Neighborhoods Initiative
GO Neighborhood Initiative is established to support Houston neighborhoods. Sponsored by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the goals of the initiative are to encourage neighbors to work together across traditional boundaries to:
- Organize and get involved in their neighborhood;
- Decide collectively on the priorities for their neighborhood; and
- Act on those priorities to implement change in their neighborhood.
Kids Festival in Independence Heights
Independence Heights held it's first annual Community Kids Day in June 2011. Sponsored by All Pro Sports, a nonprofit organization working with youth. Young people had the opportunity to connect with professional athletes and interact with each other. The highlight of the day was when the Northside Texans on e of the community little league teams was able to partcipate in a mock NFL Draft Day.
Volunteer in the Neighborhood
Volunteers are the real stars in our community. Our staff value the time, talent and help that each volunteer group completes. IHRC sponsors three major volunteer events each year. MLK Day is a day to collect books for pocket libraries. Since the community has no real library, the IHRC has worked over the last two years collecting books and building pocket libraries. During National Volunteer Week, IHRC hosts a myriad of events geared toward "service". And finally, on Spetember 11, in honor of 9/11, IHRC hosts the annual, "Paint Your Heart Out" event where teams come together and paint twenty homes in the community. To learn more about volunteering and to connect with us, contact Leah Wade at (832) 208-3007.
