Understanding Houston

Houston is a place where innovation, industry, and opportunity come together to inspire the future. 💼 Fortune 500 Leadership: Houston is ranked 3rd in the U.S. for Fortune 500 headquarters. Economic Excellence: For 10 years, Texas has led the nation in economic development. Vibrant Growth: Our region is home to world-renowned medical institutions, expanding green spaces, and a dynamic arts scene. Elizabeth Graves Love from the Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation says: "We are forward focused, looking to the future." Houston's energy, creativity, and can-do spirit make it a hub of growth and opportunity. Let's keep building a brighter future together! 🌟 #UnderstandingHouston #Leadership #ThrivingCommunities #HoustonGrowth

Honoring Janis Scott: A Champion of Public Transit Janis Scott, a Rice University graduate and native Houstonian, dedicated her life to advocating for accessible public transportation. Known affectionately as "The Bus Lady," Janis used her extensive knowledge of Houston's transit system—from the bus lines and drivers to board members and executives—to amplify the voices of underserved riders. Her unwavering commitment shone when she rallied to protect critical bus routes and demanded dignified, comfortable waiting areas for all riders. As a board member of LINK Houston, Janis tirelessly fought to improve Houston's pubic transportation. Her work contributed to the organization's 2020 Equity in Transit report, which outlined key recommendations: increasing route frequency, extending service hours, improving reliability, and enhancing transit stop accessibility for Houstonians. These changes were particularly vital for communities in east, southeast, and southwest Houston, as well as Greater Greenspoint—areas marked by higher poverty levels and limited vehicle ownership. Janis' legacy is one of courage and compassion. She embraced her nickname, "The Bus Lady," as a badge of honor, proudly serving as a trusted resource for METRO staff and riders alike. Her innovative ideas, tireless advocacy, and dedication to helping others cemented her place as a champion for Houston's transit-dependent communities. We remember Janis Scott with gratitude for her impactful work and enduring vision of a more equitable transit system for all who make Houston home.

Houston is known for its warm Southern hospitality, creating a community where everyone feels at home. This inclusive culture fosters a strong sense of belonging and has fueled remarkable growth across the region: Fort Bend and Montgomery counties' populations doubled in just 20 years and Harris County has over 4.7M residents. This growth reflects Houston's reputation as a city that welcomes and embraces all, fostering a vibrant and connected community. As Ken Bohan, Former CEO and Founder of The Liberty Group and Greater Houston Community Foundation Donor, shared: "A place where people feel safe; a clean city; a vibrant city; a progressive city. A place where people want to be." This December, we're highlighting Houston's growth and the inclusive spirit that drives it. Join us in celebrating Houston's unstoppable progress! 💙 #UnderstandingHouston #HoustonGrowth #SouthernHospitality

🌟 Houston, Through the Eyes of Community 🌟 In spring 2023, the Greater Houston Community Foundation engaged over 100 community leaders to celebrate what makes Houston exceptional. Through this collaborative process, four strengths emerged: 1️⃣ Diversity – Houston is home to over 6.2 million people with cultures, languages, and traditions from across the globe. Harris County has been majority-people-of-color since 2000, with significant growth in Hispanic, Asian American, and Black communities. This rich blend makes Houston a vibrant, inclusive place. 2️⃣ Welcoming Atmosphere – A city where everyone feels at home, no matter where they come from. 3️⃣ Vast Opportunities – From career paths to education, Houston offers endless possibilities for growth. 4️⃣ Generosity – Our community thrives on giving back and supporting one another. As Laura Jaramillo, the Executive Director of LISC Houston, shared: "I ask people all the time, 'What brought you here, and what do you like about it?' They always say it's the diversity." This December, we're celebrating Houston's unique strengths through data and inspiring quotes. Follow along and join us in honoring the incredible spirit of Houston! 🌎✨ #UnderstandingHouston #HoustonDiversity #Leadership

"Houston's not-so-hidden secret is that our diversity brings the world to our door in food, culture, art, and language. Anything you can get in New York or LA, you can find here (and probably cheaper!)." – Kate Fowler, Executive Director of Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation & Governing Board Member at Greater Houston Community Foundation 🌎✨ What makes Houston strong to you? Share your thoughts below! #UnderstandingHouston #HoustonStrong #DiversityinHouston

🎉 Five Years. Infinite Impact. 🎉 In 2019, Greater Houston Community Foundation launched Understanding Houston to empower our region through data. With independent research, we help Greater Houston make informed decisions to build a stronger, more connected community. 🔎 Our platform is a "one-stop shop" for trends in education, health, housing, and more—making data accessible to nonprofits, civic leaders, funders, and residents alike. 📊 Impact by the Numbers: 250,000+ visitors to understandinghouston.org 3,800+ data briefings delivered As we deepen our focus on economic mobility and disaster preparedness, join us in measuring what matters and doing what matters for Greater Houston. ✨ Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected by visiting UnderstandingHouston.org #UnderstandingHouston #DataDrivenDecisions #HoustonImpact #CommunityBuilding

🌟 Bold, Big, and Generous—That's How Houston Gives! 🌟 Houston's giving spirit is second to none. Between 2011 and 2018, Houstonians donated an incredible $4.4 billion annually, making up nearly 25% of all Texas giving. In 2019, nearly half of all residents gave $25 or more to nonprofits—outpacing the state average. But it's not just dollars; it's heart. ❤️ After Hurricane Harvey, we raised nearly $1 billion. During COVID-19, the Houston Food Bank was powered by an extraordinary 537,000 volunteer hours. Today, Houston is home to 15,660 nonprofits, driving change and strengthening our community. Together, we're building a more resilient, connected, and thriving city where every Houstonian has access to the resources they need, especially in challenging times. 📍 Let's celebrate the generosity that makes Houston stronger every day. (Greater Houston Community Foundation) #HoustonStrong #GivingSpirit #UnderstandingHouston #CommunityImpact #BoldBigGenerous

🚶♀️ Just 30 minutes a day can change your life! Walking improves heart health ❤️, boosts your brain 🧠, reduces stress, and lifts your mood. It's also a great way to connect with loved ones while staying active. Join the #WALK30 movement and make Houston healthier, one step at a time! 🌟 (Kinder Institute for Urban Research)

Physical activity is essential for a healthy Houston. Yet, over a quarter of our residents face increased health risks due to inactivity. With initiatives like Fit Houston's #WALK30 campaign and City Girls Who Walk Houston, we're making strides to promote walking as a simple daily exercise accessible to all Houstonians. While walking is free, access to safe spaces remains a challenge. Many neighborhoods lack safe sidewalks and streets, contributing to Texas's poor walkability and physical infrastructure grades. The Physical Activity Guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, but too many residents lack safe places to make that happen. A healthier, more vibrant Houston starts with accessible physical activity for all. Together, we can create a city that supports wellness, reduces chronic disease, and fosters a thriving community. Learn more at UnderstandingHouston.org. #PhysicalHealth #CommunityWellness #UnderstandingHouston #ActiveHouston

🎉 Celebrating 5 years of #UnderstandingHouston! Through data, stories, and community connections, we've uncovered the resilience, diversity, and generosity that make our region shine. 🌟 This month, we're highlighting Houston's strengths & impactful stories. Join us on this journey of appreciation, and let us know how our data and insights have helped your decision-making #HoustonStrong