One of the most anticipated highlights of the conference, this immersive journey into Houston’s Gulfton/Sharpstown community will offer attendees a firsthand look at innovation, resilience, and impact in action.
🚍 The experience begins the moment we leave the hotel! As we travel from the Royal Sonesta Houston, all attendees will take part in a guided Neighborhood Tour, learning about Gulfton’s evolution—from its origins as Westmore Land Farms to its transformation into Houston’s most densely populated and multicultural neighborhood, often called the Ellis Island of Houston. Along the way, hear how Connect Community and its partners are addressing affordable housing, education, health, and economic opportunity to strengthen the fabric of this vibrant community.
After the Neighborhood Tour, attendees will have the opportunity to select from one of three unique tours, each offering an in-depth look at different aspects of community transformation:
🌿 Walking Into a Sanctuary: St. Luke's Garden Youth Center Tour – Explore St. Luke’s Gethsemane Church’s transformative neighborhood investments through The Garden Youth Center and the Px Project, a workforce development initiative. These efforts stem from a powerful question the church asked itself: “How can we build strong, lasting relationships in the Sharpstown/Gulfton community that lead to collective impact?” The Garden serves as a bridge for youth ages 11–24 — a welcoming space for meaningful conversations and experiences that often extend beyond what is offered in school or at home. It’s a place where young people can explore life’s questions, both practical and profound — from learning how to change a tire to discovering who they are.
📚 Brave Strides: The Newcomer Education Tour –Kipp Connect & Legacy Community Health – Step into the journey of newcomer students as they navigate their first educational experiences in a new country. Discover how a powerful partnership between the YMCA, KIPP, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, and Legacy Community Health gave rise to Connect Community — and how this coalition has grown to address the unique needs of multilingual and immigrant students and their families. Hear directly from school leaders as they share innovative strategies for serving our diverse community, and learn how Connect Community supports their work. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from one of our Afghan translators, offering firsthand insight from the front lines.
🧵 Stepping Into the Future: The 15 Minute City--Mixed Income Housing, Manufacturing Hub, and Civic Core – Tour the future of Gulfton/Sharpstown – visit Connect Highstar Apts, a mixed-income housing community where ESL and digital literacy classes, the Library of Things, and other community resources are just steps from residents’ doors. Nearby, Legacy Community Health and the upcoming Civic Core project anchor a thriving neighborhood. Explore Fabric Forge, HTX Sewn Goods, and The Shops @ Highstar, where local sewists and entrepreneurs drive a growing manufacturing hub—and if you’re feeling hands-on, try part of the sewing assessment yourself. This is our 15 minute neighborhood, where housing, parks, healthcare, and groceries are all within a few minute walk.
Celebrate with Music, Food & Local Vendors
If you don’t opt for one of the tours or upon your return from a tour or two, join us for a community block party, where you’ll enjoy music from local DJ Sareen, delicious food tastings from around the world—including samosas, empanadas, arepas, chapati & beans, flautas, iced cookies, and Afghan treats—and the chance to shop from local craft vendors selling handmade jewelry, lavender eye pillows, upcycled Broadway scenery, and more.
This unforgettable experience is your chance to see community-driven solutions in action, connect with local residents, and celebrate the spirit of Gulfton/Sharpstown. Don’t miss this powerful, immersive event!