2019 COMMUNITY REPORT
| The annual Community Report highlights the Astros’ dedication to the community outside of the diamond through the tireless efforts of the Astros Foundation. The Astros Foundation is committed to serving the community through: Unmatched Volunteer Efforts – over 4,500 volunteers served over 17,800 hoursBaseball and Softball – 34 Astros Youth Academy members received opportunities/scholarships to play ball in college and over 8,200 uniforms were provided to Houston-area youthInvesting in the Community – over 16,300 books were distributed through the Phillips 66 Literacy Bus and 25 $5,000 scholarships were awarded to local students through the Minute Maid Grand Slam for Youth Baseball programIncreasing Awareness – Nearly $2 million was raised to fight childhood cancer, combat homelessness and support domestic violence education and awareness effortsProductive Conversations – The MVP Coffee Series (Many Voices Participate) brought together experts and community members to discuss relevant topics and highlight the work of the foundation and local non-profitsHonoring Military and Veterans – 163 service men and women were honored at games with 2,500 tickets distributed during military days at Minute Maid ParkGolf in the Community – over $600,000 donated to local programsTo view the full 2019 Community Report, visit us at astros.com/foundation or click the link below. The Astros Foundation could not do what it does without the support of people like you. To learn how you can get involved, visit astros.com/foundation today! |
Notificación de imágenes: Inter Miami CF y Chicago Fire FC llegan al Torneo Especial MLS is Back
| NUEVA YORK (1 de julio, 2020) – Imágenes disponibles ya del último entrenamiento en casa de Inter Miami CF, la despedida de los aficionados, el viaje y la llegada a Orlando, FL para el Torneo Especial MLS is Back. Chicago Fire FC también viajó hoy y los medios podrán acceder más tarde a las imágenes de su llegada. La MLS proporcionará material para los medios a medida que los clubes continúen aterrizando en Orlando y comiencen la concentración de cara al Torneo Especial MLS is Back, en el ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Tenga en cuenta que no se permitirá la entrada a los medios a ninguna sesión de entrenamiento de los clubes. Todas las imágenes del Torneo Especial MLS is Back se pueden encontrar en el Centro de Medios de la MLS, donde podrán acceder a declaraciones, videos, fotos, estadísticas y más. Centro de Medios de la MLS Nota: a lo largo de la noche se subirán más imágenes tras las sesiones de entrenamiento de los clubes Videos: Declaraciones de Inter Miami CF: DT Diego Alonso y arquero Luis RoblesVideo de los aficionados despidiendo a Inter Miami CFVideo del viaje y llegada a Orlando de Inter Miami CFVideo del último entreno de Inter Miami CF en casa antes de viajarVideo del viaje y llegada de Chicago Fire FC Video de las sesiones de entrenamiento de FC Cincinnati, Minnesota United FC y Orlando City SCVideo general de los hoteles Swan y Dolphin Fotos: Fotos de los aficionados despidiendo a Inter Miami CFFotos del viaje y llegada a Orlando de Inter Miami CFFotos del último entreno de Inter Miami CF en casa antes de viajarFotos del viaje y llegada de Chicago Fire FC Fotos de las sesiones de entrenamiento de FC Cincinnati, Minnesota United FC y Orlando City SCFotos de las demás sesiones de los clubes que ya entrenan en Orlando de cara al arranque del torneoFotografía general de los hoteles Swan y Dolphin |
City of Houston, Harris County and Coalition for the Homeless Announce Joint $65M Plan to House 5,000 People Experiencing Homelessness
| Coordinated permanent housing initiative will limit the spread of COVID-19 HOUSTON – The City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the Homeless today announced a joint, $65-million plan to house 5,000 people experiencing homelessness over the next two years to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Community-wide COVID-19 Housing Program (CCHP) represents an unprecedented coordinated effort on the part of the City and the County to address homelessness in the region. Due to underlying health conditions and a lack of access to facilities, people experiencing homelessness are more susceptible to the novel coronavirus and are at higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms. The CCHP will permanently house people who are currently experiencing literal homelessness (e.g., living in shelters, encampments or on the streets) as well as those who may fall into homelessness as a result of the economic effects of the coronavirus. “This program is vital to protect the health of at-risk, homeless individuals, prevent potential communal spread to other populations, and assist those forced into homelessness by COVID-19,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This crisis response program will also have a major long-term impact, permanently housing 5,000 individuals experiencing homelessness and significantly reducing our homeless population to record lows. Homelessness knows no geographical boundaries. I am grateful for the County’s partnership, for this is truly a watershed opportunity that will benefit all who call Houston and Harris County home.” The City of Houston has dedicated $29 million and Harris County has allocated $18 million to this groundbreaking endeavor. The City and County are utilizing a variety of federal funds, including significant funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  “Together, we are making the single largest investment in addressing chronic homelessness in our region’s history,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “Meaningful change happens when we work together to think outside the box, shift paradigms and invest in innovative solutions. This is the beginning of a new approach here in Harris County and it’s going to take continued effort from all of us. I look forward to applying solutions that are compassionate, that work, and that save taxpayer dollars in the long term.” “I made a commitment early in my administration to address the issue of homelessness in Harris County, and for that reason I am grateful to the Coalition for the Homeless, the partner agencies of The Way Home, my fellow members of Commissioners Court who voted in favor of the funding, and the City of Houston for their financial commitment,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who brought the funding request before the county court on June 30, where it was approved unanimously. “Our combined investment will dramatically reduce chronic homelessness in the City of Houston and throughout Harris County, and I am confident it will become a model for others to emulate. Now more than ever, with the current COVID-19 crisis putting so many people’s living situations at an increased risk, having access to stable housing options is vital for the entire community’s health.” “During this unprecedented time, taking care of the most vulnerable among us must be a priority,” said Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “The continuing economic crisis could push even more people who were already struggling before the pandemic deeper into poverty and possibly homelessness. I am proud that this collaboration will help us address this challenge by providing stable housing for 5,000 individuals and families over the next two years. Caring for those most in need makes our entire community healthier and safer.” The Coalition for the Homeless helped to coordinate the planning efforts and will lead the implementation of the CCHP, expected to begin in August. The nonprofit Coalition for the Homeless is the lead agency to the local homeless response system The Way Home. “We are so appreciative that the City and the County have decided to join forces in this effort,” said Mike Nichols, president & CEO of the Coalition. “We will continue to work with them on implementation and to secure the remaining funds. Together with the service providers of The Way Home, we will build a healthier, more resilient community and make tangible progress toward our goal of making homelessness in our region rare, brief, and non-recurring.” The CCHP will include several forms of intervention depending on individuals’ level of need, including the following: Diversion: A program to help approximately 2,000 people maintain or regain housing so that they do not have to enter emergency shelter. Assistance may be financial (i.e., up to three months’ rent) or may include family mediation or creative problem-solving.Rapid rehousing: Short-term (up to 12 months’) rental assistance and light services for those who do not require intensive case management, for approximately 1,700 newly homeless people.A “bridge” to permanent supportive housing (PSH): Housing for approximately 1,000 people currently experiencing chronic homelessness — including those living unsheltered and/or in encampments — while they await a PSH unit. The CCHP also involves expanding homeless outreach to those living unsheltered outside of Houston’s urban core; mental health case management for high-risk individuals; and additional support for emergency shelters, including those for survivors of domestic violence, to help them implement CDC health and safety recommendations. This ambitious program will also require private philanthropic support in strategic areas where public funding cannot be used and that will keep people successful in housing over the long term. Local property managers will also have a key role to play in solving homelessness. The 2020 Point-in-Time Homeless Count & Survey, the results of which the Coalition released June 23, found approximately 3,700 people experiencing literal homelessness in Harris County, including approximately 2,200 sheltered and 1,500 unsheltered. The night of record for the 2020 Homeless Count was January 27, 2020; the Count represents the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single day in the region. It is not known how many people in the region will fall into homelessness as a result of the coronavirus. The CCHP proposes to quickly and permanently house as many people as possible, as soon as possible, so that the local homeless response system will be prepared to meet the needs of the newly homeless in the coming months. |
Publicación 1171 – Revista Digital 2 de julio – 8 de julio / 2020
Gracias por visitarnos, este artículo contiene la revista digital de ¡Que Onda Magazine! de fecha 2 de julio hasta el 8 de julio del 2020.
Precinct One Continues to Advocate for Housing for all Harris County Residents
Commissioners Court approves $15 million Emergency Rental Assistance Program to serve low-income residents in Harris County
HOUSTON, TX – Since the moratorium on evictions was lifted in May, almost 3,000 eviction cases have been filed in Harris County. In order to address the urgent eviction crisis in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a $15 million Emergency Rental Assistance Program to serve low-income residents in Harris County.
Researchers estimate that, were it not for the federal relief in this pandemic, the poverty rate would increase from 12.8% to 16.3% this year. Local governments, including Harris County, have continued to provide support where others can’t or won’t.
“We are facing an unprecedented public health and economic crisis. Harris County has been able to provide some direct relief, but it is apparent that there is still a great need for assistance to keep people in their homes and able to afford basic needs,” said Commissioner Ellis. “I am hoping my colleagues will join me to keep supporting financial assistance programs that will go directly to the people who need it most.”
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide a one-time payment of $1,000 per household across all Harris County precincts to be used for rent and fee payments directly to landlords.
The Harris County Commissioners Court also unanimously voted in support of the COVID-19 Permanent Housing Initiative, which will bring together local organizations to house 5,000 people over two years. The Initiative will be funded by Harris County, the City of Houston and private philanthropy.
“Our local governments are taking a big and bold step to prevent people from becoming homeless and to get people off the streets during this pandemic. I am proud to support this collaborative effort and grateful to Coalition for the Homeless, The Way Home Coalition and all of their partners for their vision and coordinated response to this urgent need,” said Commissioner Ellis. “Housing is always important and more crucial than ever during this public health crisis.”
Harris County Announces $30 Million Grant Program to Assist Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
County Judge Lina Hidalgo and each of the Harris County commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Small Business Recovery Fund (SBRF) program, a $30 million grant program established to assist struggling small businesses who have been unable to obtain financial assistance from other COVID-19 relief programs. The program will provide eligible businesses a grant of up to $25,000 to help cover payroll costs, rent, accounts payable and other operating expenses. The SBRF targets businesses with 30 or fewer employees and is designed to assist the most vulnerable Harris County small- and micro-enterprises impacted by the pandemic with mounting financial burdens.
“The impact of this crisis on small businesses has been devastating. We can’t afford to lose a source of jobs, innovation and the enterprising spirit our region is known for,” Judge Hidalgo said. “These grants will help business owners stay afloat as Harris County continues to fight the COVID-19 crisis.”
The Program will launch at 8 a.m. July 13 and will remain open for 10 days through July 22. More information regarding eligibility requirements, how to access the application online and over the phone, and what residents will need to prepare for the application will be released in
“As the overwhelming demand for the forgivable loan program that I championed shows far too many of our small businesses are struggling in a big way right now. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and have historically lifted up our community,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “As we face some of the most difficult challenges in a generation, it’s time for county government to continue our support of local small businesses. I thank my fellow commissioners for voting in favor of the $30 million fund, and I have confidence that HBDI will do an excellent job with the expedient and efficient administration of these funds. Small businesses truly are the backbone of our economy, and this program shows that we have their backs!”
Earlier in March, Harris County provided $10 million under a small business relief program (LEAP), which was able to provide assistance to approximately 400 small businesses. With nearly 500,000 businesses in Harris County, the SBRF represents an effort to provide additional funding to a broader range of businesses suffering from the devastating impact of the novel coronavirus. Priority will be given to applicants that have not received prior assistance from the federally funded PPP Loan Program or other COVID-19 small business relief programs, including the Harris County LEAP program.
“The effects of COVID-19 on our friends and neighbors throughout Harris County are immense and widespread – on our health, our families, our medical community and our economy,” said Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle. “Harris County’s response to this pandemic must recognize the need to address all these issues. With federal funding from the CARES Act, the Small Business Relief Fund is designed to help alleviate some of the stresses on small businesses throughout Harris County. I encourage those eligible to take advantage of this program.”
A local Community Development Financial Institution, Houston Business Development Inc., which specializes in administering government funded small business lending programs, will work closely with the county in launching and administering the SBRF program.
“Helping small businesses survive the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic directly helps the working men and women employed by those small businesses,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “The need in our region is immense, but we will support as many of our vulnerable businesses as possible, fairly and transparently, so that the thousands of families who rely on small businesses continue to have the ability to pay their rent, feed their families, and make ends meet.”
Those in need of immediate assistance are encouraged to call 211 Texas/United Way helpline to find an organization in their geographic region to serve them.
Office Of The Governor, MLB Hall-Of-Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez Release New COVID-19 PSA In English, Spanish
| AUSTIN – The Office Of The Governor and Major League Baseball Hall-Of-Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez today issued a new public service announcement (PSA) on the importance of wearing a mask to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In the PSA, Rodríguez urges Texans to wear a mask in public to protect themselves and others from the virus. The new PSA is available on YouTube in both English and Spanish and can be downloaded at this link. ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PSA TRANSCRIPT “This is Iván Pudge Rodríguez here and as you know, my whole entire career I’ve been using this mask. Now I wanted to ask you to wear your mask to keep our businesses safe for you. So please, if you keep your mask on, we’re going to keep our businesses open for you. Take care of yourself, God bless you, and stay safe.” SPANISH-LANGUAGE PSA TRANSCRIPT “Saludos a todos, les habla Iván Rodríguez. Por toda mi carrera, yo le doy gracias a Dios que yo pude usar esta mascara para jugar todos los años en grandes ligas y ahora es el momento para que ustedes usen la de ustedes; y ahora que el béisbol regresa, es importante que hagamos esto para mantener nuestros negocios abiertos para ustedes. Que Dios los bendiga y saludos.” |
La Orden de Salud y Seguridad de Negocios del Condado Harris para Negocios se Extenderá hasta al el 26 de agosto
La jueza del Condado Harris, Lina Hidalgo, enmendará una orden existente que exige que todas las empresas en el Condado Harris desarrollen y publiquen una política de salud y seguridad para empleados y clientes, que como mínimo incluye un requisito de cubierta facial. Como parte del pedido, todas las personas mayores de 10 años deben cubrirse la cara mientras están en negocios o en propiedades comerciales, incluidos los empleados, visitantes y clientes.
- La orden se ha extendido hasta las 11:59 p.m. del miércoles 26 de agosto de 2020.
- Una muestra de dicha política de salud y seguridad está disponible aquí: https://www.readyharris.org/county-orders
- El texto completo de la extensión está disponible aquí: https://www.readyharris.org/Stay-Safe
Entendiendo el Edicto
- Las empresas deben desarrollar un plan de salud y seguridad para empleados y clientes para protegerlos de COVID-19. Como mínimo, este plan debe incluir que todos los empleados, clientes y visitantes (mayores de 10 años) que ingresen a negocios o propiedades comerciales deben usar una cubierta facial o cubrebocas.
- Las empresas deben publicar e informar a los clientes / visitantes que estén obligados a cubrirse la cara mientras se encuentren en las instalaciones.
- Las empresas se reservan el derecho de rechazar el servicio a aquellos que no usen una mascarilla para la cara, con excepciones para aquellos que no pueden usar una por razones médicas (ver excepciones a continuación).
- Las empresas que no cumplan con esta orden podrían enfrentar una multa (ver cumplimiento más abajo).
- Las cubiertas faciales pueden ser un cubrebocas casero, una pañoleta, un pañuelo o bufanda siempre y cuando cubran la nariz y boca.
Excepciones a las coberturas faciales obligatorias
- Debe usar una cubierta facial en todo momento mientras se encuentre en negocios o en propiedades comerciales, excepto:
- Al comer o beber;
- Las cubiertas faciales se deben usar en los restaurantes, pero se pueden quitar mientras se come / bebe.
- Cuando hace ejercicio o realiza actividades físicas; o,
- Cuando el uso de una cubierta facial representa un riesgo mental, físico, de seguridad o protección (es decir, alguien que tiene problemas para respirar).
Elección y uso de una cubierta facial
El Condado de Harris no puede proporcionar cubiertas faciales a los residentes. Alentamos a los residentes comprar o hacer cubrebocas para su uso.
Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) tienen orientación sobre cómo usar adecuadamente las cubiertas faciales y cómo hacer sus propias cubiertas faciales: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/ cloth-face-cover.htmlContinuar con buenos hábitos de salud
El uso de una cubierta facial no es un sustituto del distanciamiento social de 6 pies y el lavado de manos, ya que estos siguen siendo pasos importantes para frenar la propagación del virus.
Ejecutando el Decreto
Las empresas que no requieran que los clientes / visitantes / empleados usen cubiertas faciales p bajo esta el EDICTO pueden enfrentar una multa de hasta $ 1,000 por violación.
Para denunciar negocios que comentan alguna violación de la Orden de Salud y Seguridad del Condado la cual requiere el uso de cubierta facial, visite esta página o llame al 832-839-6941
Harris County Business Health and Safety Order for Businesses will be extended until at least 8/26/20
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will amend an existing order mandating that all businesses in Harris County develop and post a health and safety policy for employees and customers, which at a minimum includes a face covering requirement. As part of the order, everyone over the age of 10 must wear a face covering while in businesses or on commercial properties, including employees and all visitors and customers.
- The order has been extended until at least 11:59 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.
- A sample health and safety policy is available here: https://www.readyharris.org/county-orders
- Full text of the order will be made available here: https://www.readyharris.org/Stay-Safe
Understanding the Order
- Businesses must develop a health and safety plan for employees and customers to protect them from COVID-19. At a minimum, this plan must include that all employees, customers and visitors (over the age of 10) that enter businesses or commercial properties must wear a face covering.
- Businesses must post and inform customers/visitors that they are required to wear a face covering while on the premises.
- Businesses reserve the right to refuse service to those not wearing a face covering with exceptions for those who cannot wear one for medical reasons (see exceptions below).
- Businesses who do not comply with this order could face a fine (see enforcement below).
- Face coverings may be a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief, as long as it covers the nose and mouth.
Exceptions to Face Covering Order
- You must wear a face covering at all times while in businesses or on commercial property, except:
- When eating or drinking;
- Face coverings should be worn to restaurants, but can be removed while eating/drinking.
- When you are exercising or doing physical activities; or,
- When wearing a face covering poses a mental, physical, safety or security risk (i.e. someone who has trouble breathing).
Choosing and Wearing a Face Covering
Harris County cannot provide face coverings to residents. We encourage residents to purchase or make a face covering to wear.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidance on how to properly wear face coverings and how to make your own face coverings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
Continue Good Health Habits
Wearing a face covering is not a substitute for maintaining 6-feet social distancing and hand washing because these remain important steps to slowing the spread of the virus.
Enforcement
Businesses who do not require customers/visitors/employees to wear face coverings under this Order can face a fine of up to $1,000 per violation.
To report businesses in violation of the County Health and Safety Order, which requires face coverings, click here or call 832-839-6941.