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.

Once We Arrive: Choose Your Tour Experience

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:

🌿 The Garden Tour – Discover The Garden, St. Luke’s, and PX, where community leaders and technical experts will showcase how social services are reshaping lives. Hear personal testimonials and success stories, including the Afghan Girls’ Volleyball Team, the PX Project’s immersive classroom, and the “Y Without Walls” model that brings essential resources directly to the community.

📚 The Education Tour – Step into the world of newcomer students and experience their educational journey. This tour will explore how schools and healthcare services work together to support multilingual and immigrant students, featuring programs like Afghan culture training, boys’ cricket at Wisdom HS, and the Newcomers Essential Guide to Schools initiative.

🧵 The Textile Lab Tour – Explore the HTX Sewn Goods Textile Lab, a hub for local artisans and economic empowerment. Visit The Shops @ Highstar, tour an apartment unit, and learn about Legacy Health, the Library of Things, and ESL/Digital Literacy Courses. If you’re up for it, test your skills with a portion of the sewing assessment that newcomers take to enter the program!

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!