June was a news-filled month for Houston. Community Impact reported on the city budget, the World Cup coming to town and new homelessness initiatives.
Here is a recap of the top stories in June, based on page views.
Houston has 16 high-risk ZIP codes for lead poisoning. The city has a program that can help
Community Impact reported that Houston has 16 ZIP codes that are more likely to have risks of lead poisoning than other areas. Residents who live in those areas may be qualified for free lead paint control from the city if they meet the required qualifications.
If a resident qualifies, HHD and state-licensed contractors can assist in two ways: abatement or interim control.
Abatement is a permanent solution that involves replacing windows, doors, and painting. Interim control is not a permanent solution, but it is a more common solution that is often used in areas that are not highly accessible, such as ceilings. The goal is for interim control to be done in areas that children do not have access to.
Houston homeless hub opens with over 60 individuals in facility
Houston officially opened its homeless hub in June and has taken in dozens of residents since then. The city also approved a land purchase agreement to extend the facility to include additional green space.
At 419 Emancipation Avenue, the former Star of Hope location acts as what city officials call the city’s “front door” to ending street homelessness.
419 Emancipation is a hub for homeless individuals, where they can access resources and eventually receive help with permanent housing.
The hub offers services including:
- Meals
- Dorm-style rooms
- On-site health services
- On-site security and law enforcement
- Assistance with off-site housing, medical needs and other services
11 places holding World Cup Watch parties in Greater Houston
Houston will host one more World Cup game this month on July 4. Those who want to watch have several places to attend watch parties.
- Edgyspub - 8945 Hwy. 6 N., Ste 290, Houston
- Chapman & Kirby - 2118 Lamar St., Ste. 100, Houston
- On the Kirb - 5004 Kirby Drive, Houston; 25230 FM 1093, Katy; 6777 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands; 3800 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 124, Houston; 2521 Bagby St., Houston
- Kirby Ice House - 1015 Gessner Road, Houston
- Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe - 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery
- Rooftop Cinema Club - 1700 Post Oak Blvd., 5th Level, Houston
- Green Street - 1201 Fannin St., Houston
- Traders Village: World Cup Watch Party - 7979 N. Eldridge Parkway, Houston
- Back Table Kitchen & Bar - 2301 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands
- Forest Oasis Pavilion - 2301 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands
- District 2.4.9 Bar & Grill - 23238 Hwy. 249, Tomball
Annual report shows homeless population around the Greater Houston area remains stable
The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County released the results of the 2026 Point-in-Time Count & Survey, which involves volunteers counting the number of individuals experiencing homelessness over three days across Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery counties.
The report found that a total of 3,321 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in February, with 2,051 being sheltered individuals and 1,270 being unsheltered individuals.
The majority of homeless individuals were accounted for in Harris County, with 53.9% of sheltered individuals and 35.8% of unsheltered individuals coming from the most populous county in Texas.
The numbers are consistent with the figures from the 2025 report, which showed that approximately 3,325 individuals were homeless across the three counties.
Houston passes assistance fund to help qualified residents with new $5 fee
Houston will assist residents who need it with the new $5 administration fee that will address solid waste issues.
On July 1, the city of Houston began charging residents of single-family homes $5 on their water bills.
Houston City Council passed an ordinance June 17 that would expand the Water Aid to Elderly Residents Fund, or WATER, to seniors, low-income residents and people with disabilities, who will now be able to request assistance.
The WATER Fund, which is a donation-based assistance program, also assists residents with their water and wastewater bills. It is funded through donations and provides up to $100 every six months toward eligible residents’ bills, according to Houston Public Works.
City of Houston to partner with UTHealth to create new academic health department
The city of Houston’s health department will work with UTHealth to support evidence-based programs, applied research and real-world public health practices. The goal is to create a bridge between practical academic knowledge and real-world leadership opportunities in public health, according to a news release from the city.
Houston Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Tran said this means greater chances for research and expertise that can directly support their work.
