Helping build Sustainable, Healthy, Inclusive, Forward-thinking, Tech-enabled communities & connecting community organizations in East Harris County.
News & Updates
The application for the Project S.H.I.F.T. Initiative has been submitted, and we are now waiting for the EPA to review applications between March and June 2025. Additional selections may be announced if funding allows. All projects must be completed within three years of the award date, with a final deadline of March 2028.
The initiative includes the new C.H.A.N.G.E. Initiative—focused on Climate, Health, Air, New Jobs, and Growth in East Houston and Harris County. This program aims to address local challenges in environmental and economic development.
For the Community C.H.A.N.G.E Grant:
About Project S.H.I.F.T
Project S.H.I.F.T. represents a bold initiative to transform East Houston and East Harris County into a thriving region characterized by sustainability, health, inclusivity, and forward-thinking solutions. Our collective vision, backed by the EPA’s Community Change Grant, aims to tackle critical environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Why Project S.H.I.F.T.?
- Growth is here! Our region is on the brink of substantial development.
- The people are ready! Community members are eager for progress and change.
- Resources are in place! With technical expertise and strong partnerships, we’re equipped for success.
- The time is now! This opportunity aligns perfectly with the region’s readiness and needs.
Latest Event
East Houston/Harris County Community Leaders Luncheon
We are once again grateful for the many people who attended the Project S.H.I.F.T. Community Leaders Luncheon.
This luncheon represented a meeting of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to improving their communities and making a better future for all.
This EPA grant represents a multi-million dollar, regional transforming investment that is uniquely tailored for communities like ours! Below is a high-level overview of the most recent updates from the Grant and next steps we plan to take.
Key Highlights
- Community Connection: Over 60 key partners from all areas of the community came together to connect, network, and learn about the latest details on the status of Project S.H.I.F.T. now that the grant has been submitted.
- Partner Opportunities: Representatives from Houston Community College, the Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice and Achieving Community Tasks Successfully (ACTS) presented updates, new training and certification programs, grant opportunities, valuable information on the state of the environment in East Houston and East Harris County.
- Project S.H.I.F.T. Update: EHCEC Founder and CEO Terence Narcisse presented an update on the status of Project S.H.I.F.T. The update included information on the post-submission phase, the plan for workforce development as part of the grant, and information on how the grant may be affected by the election results of 2024.
Resources & Documentation
- [Presentation Slides]: Dive into the detailed discussions and updates from the Community Leaders Luncheon.
East Houston/Harris County Executive Roundtable
Whether you were with us in person or in spirit, we deeply appreciate your interest and dedication to the future of East Houston/Harris County. The recent East Houston/Harris County Strategic Planning Conference, spanning two days at DeZavala Elementary School in Channelview ISD, marked a significant milestone in our journey towards securing the EPA’s Community Change Grant.
This EPA grant represents a multi-million dollar, regional transforming investment that is uniquely tailored for communities like ours! Below is a high-level overview of key highlights from the conference.
Key Highlights
- Community Connection: The session began with participants sharing their visions and values, highlighting the strength and diversity of our community.
- Insightful Tour: Attendees explored key communities in need, gaining insights into the available environmental and economic opportunities.
- Grant Opportunities: Participants held detailed discussions on the LIH Program, Technical Assistance, and the EPA Community Change Grant, providing a clear path for leveraging these opportunities.
- Collaborative Workshops: Attendees engaged with workshops on stakeholder mapping and project development, underscoring our focus on air pollution reduction, community engagement, and workforce development.
- Strategic Planning: A reflective start led to a deep dive into the grant writing process, project scope development, and identifying distinctive strategies to enhance our project’s impact.
- Action Plan: The session closed with a clear outline of next steps, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and engagement
Resources & Documentation
- [Presentation Slides]: Dive into the detailed discussions and plans outlined during the session.
- [Contact List]: Connect with fellow stakeholders and build networks that strengthen our community.
- [Workshop Summaries]: Review the insights and ideas generated during our collaborative workshops.
- East Houston/Harris County Regional Strategic Planning Conference Agenda
We transform lives by connecting people to resources and opportunities.