Many people in the Fifth Ward are looking forward to Thursday. On that day, County Commissioner Rodney Ellis will deliver an update on the historic non-profit at a town hall meeting at Hester House (2020 Solo St., Houston 77020).
The board just approved Harris County’s takeover of the cherished community center, which was established in 1941.
Many people in the Fifth Ward, particularly those who have strong connections to Hester Houston, find that fact upsetting.
THURSDAY MEETING
Some see Thursday’s meeting as an opportunity to learn more about the future course of Hester House. They also want to know why the people who utilize Hester House the most didn’t raise the ownership issue before such a move was taken.
State Representative Harold Dutton is a member of the Hester House board.
Since you have already [approved placing Hester House under Harris County’s authority], what role does the community play in the community meeting? I’m not sure what the purpose of the meeting is. Dutton stated, “We’re just going to be told what’s going on now.”
REASONS BEHIND MOVE
Last Friday, Rodney Ellis, a Harris County Commissioner for Precinct 1, wrote to his voters to inform them of the change and extend an invitation to the Thursday meeting.
Following a formal request by the Hester House Board of Directors, the Harris County Commissioners Court earlier this week authorized the option to accept the donation of Hester House to Harris County Commissioner Precinct One as an official community center of the precinct, according to Ellis. The Board’s brave choice is a daring move to guarantee Hester House’s long-term viability and financial stability.
Ellis acknowledged that some people might be hesitant about the transfer, but he stated that his goal is to protect Hester House, its mission, and its heritage for future generations.
Ellis stated, “I have asked my staff to set up this town hall meeting where the Hester House Board of Directors and I will be available to discuss this development and answer your questions because I know that change can bring many questions.”
Protecting places like Hester House is more crucial than ever at a time when initiatives are being made throughout Texas to reduce institutions and programs that strengthen historically underprivileged communities. This choice enhances our capacity to deliver life-changing programs and uphold Hester House as a Fifth Ward hub for empowerment, education, and hope.
BOARD VOTE
Many supporters of Hester House remain unaware of its destiny, even in spite of Ellis’ correspondence.
Dutton stated that he was unsure of the institution’s future when the Hester House/Harris County proposal was presented to the board.
Whatever it implies, I said, before deciding to do that, we should discuss it with the community as a board and get their opinion. I’m still unsure of what that means for Hester House’s future because I was voted down.
I’m worried that when the $11 million worth of land [4.7 acres] that Hester House sits on and the $3.5 million she has in the bank become county property, we won’t look back on this day and say, “Dang, we should have done something different,” Dutton said.
ADDITIONAL FEARS
After being transplanted from Mississippi to Houston, Mae Martin fell in love with Hester House at first sight. The retiree lost more than a hundred pounds thanks to its water aerobics lessons. Martin, one of many Hester House cheerleaders, has been swimming more than 130 laps a day in the facility’s pool for the past two years.
“We have a lot of programs going on here, including computer and writing classes,” Martin remarked. And we would be lost if it weren’t for it. What is happening with the Hester House, then? This Hester House must remain in its current state. We don’t need someone attempting to take control or alter the situation.
At the age of 14, Jennifer Jones made her first use of Hester House. She is now retired and serves in various positions at Hester House, influencing people and children of all ages.
On Saturday, she found out about Thursday’s meeting and the ownership shift at the facility.
Jones remarked, “I am deeply horrified by the misunderstanding and the realization that we don’t count.” We taxpayers [and] retirees are the ones who fund the county and the city, so it is cruel.
Jones claims she is not yet knowledgeable enough to oppose Harris County’s plans for Hester House. To find out, though, she will go to the meeting on Thursday.
She continued, “I feel like I need to learn more about it and comprehend its goal as well as the opportunities that will still be available for our seniors.”
Ellis argues that the action is in everyone’s best interests.
Protecting places like Hester House is more crucial than ever at a time when initiatives are being made throughout Texas to reduce institutions and programs that strengthen historically underprivileged communities. This choice enhances our capacity to deliver life-changing programs and uphold Hester House as a Fifth Ward hub for empowerment, education, and hope.
HISTORY
Thanks to Dutton and the late Precinct 1 Commissioner El Franco Lee, Hester House has had a long-standing partnership with Harris County Precinct 1. As a result of their collaboration, the majority of Hester House’s finance came from Precinct 1.
[Hester House] was a sort of stand-alone thing. When El Franco Lee served as the county commissioner, I established this affiliation with the county. “I managed to secure $5 million from the state to construct this amazing complex, which now includes an indoor swimming pool, a health and fitness center, and an indoor gymnasium,” Dutton added.
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