THE CHALLENGE

25% OF HOUSTON CHILDREN LIVE IN POVERTY

75% of Houston ISD children are economically disadvantaged. Poverty limits a child’s access to educational resources and enrichment opportunities, and negatively affects academic achievement.

23% OF HARRIS COUNTY CHILDREN HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO FOOD

Children who lack adequate nutrition are more likely to get sick. This impairs their growth and development, and negatively affects their ability to focus and learn.

25% OF HOUSTON 3RD GRADERS DO NOT MEET MINIMUM READING STANDARDS

Students who are unable to read on grade level by 3^rd grade are 4 times more likely to drop out of school.

52% OF REGION 4 STUDENTS ARE AT-RISK OF DROPPING OUT

High school dropouts earn 34% less than individuals with a bachelor’s degree and are much more likely to be unemployed, thus perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Sources: CHILDREN AT RISK, Early Matters, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

OUR CALLING

As followers of Jesus, the 4,000 churches in Greater Houston have an obligation and an opportunity to address these challenges.

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” — I John 3:17-18

Isaiah 58:6-7

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice…
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them…?”

Luke 4:18

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free”

Luke 10:27

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”

John 13:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Imagine if every school in Greater Houston had a committed, caring church partner. Imagine how different our neighborhoods would be. And imagine how differently our neighbors would view our good God.

THE SOLUTION

Every congregation and congregation member can do something to help!

Smaller churches can work together to partner with one school.
Larger churches can partner with several schools (although we encourage starting with one!)
Any church can partner one-on-one with a school.

MENTORING

The consistent presence of a caring adult makes such a difference in the lives of our children. It only requires a willingness to show up and listen.

TEACHER SUPPORT

Our teachers have been entrusted with our most precious resource—our children! Creating an environment of care and support for teachers empowers them to invest in our children with excellence.

LITERACY ASSISTANCE

Reading to a child has such a positive impact on a child’s future, but thousands of children across Greater Houston have no one to read with them. If you can read, you can help!

PARENT EMPOWERMENT

Every parent needs a support system, and many families in our local schools need extra encouragement and support as they seek to provide for their children.

No one has to do everything, but everyone can do something!

**School districts across Greater Houston are asking churches to help.**

“Loving Houston is truly advantageous to our district. Every school needs Loving Houston.”

Lawrence Allen, Houston ISD

“Are churches allowed to serve schools? Yes! We welcome you with open arms!”

Jerri Monbaron, Humble ISD

“We wantchurches to come alongside our schools and ask how they may serve.”

Pamela Shaw, Fort Bend ISD

“We would like to see a church partner for every school.”

Jill Duban, Lamar Consolidated ISD

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