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. For the past two years, Martin has taken to swimming over 130 laps a day in the facility s pool and counts herself as one of many Hester House cheerleaders.
We have many programs going on here: writing classes, computer classes, we have it all, said Martin. And if it wasn t for that, we would be lost. What is happening with the Hester House, then? We need this Hester House to stay here the way it is right now. We don t need anybody trying to take over, trying to change things.
Jennifer Jones first utilized Hester House when she was 14. Now a retiree, she volunteers at Hester House and serves in multiple capacities, impacting youth and adults of all ages.
She just learned of the change in the center s ownership and about Thursday s meeting on Saturday.
I am extremely appalled by the miscommunication and the understanding that we don t count, said Jones. That is inhumane because we, as taxpayers [and] retirees, are the ones that support the city and the county.
Jones says she doesn t know enough about Harris County s plans for Hester House to oppose them yet. But she will attend the meeting on Thursday to find out.
I feel like I need to know more about it and understand the purpose of it as well as the opportunities that still will be available for our seniors, she added.
Ellis contends the move is for the best interest of all involved.
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
Hester House has partnered with Harris County Precinct 1 for years, a relationship facilitated by the late Precinct 1 Commissioner El Franco Lee and Dutton. That partnership resulted in Precinct 1 providing the lion s share of Hester House s funding.
[Hester House] was kind of an independent entity. I started this association with the county back when El Franco Lee was the county commissioner. I was able to get the state to put in $5 million to build this magnificent complex where we have now the indoor swimming pool, the health and fitness center and the indoor gymnasium, said Dutton.
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