Harris County officials open $41M residential campus for at-risk foster youth
A new affordable housing campus in Harris County serving unhoused youth and young adults exiting the state foster care system has opened near downtown Houston, nearly five years after Harris County commissioners first approved the $41 million project’s construction.
The details: The HAY—Houston Alumni & Youth—Center Foundation, operates a program in partnership with the Harris County Resources for Children and Adults Department that provides resources and services for youth and young adults. One part of the project included the 41,000-square-foot, 50-unit residential facility with a community space, kitchen, small gym, and private study rooms, according to the organization’s website. The second part of the campus includes a 17,000-square-foot commercial building that will provide wraparound services and life skills training rooms for youth and young adults transitioning out of the state’s foster care system.
The impact: Every year, at least 40 foster youth in the Harris County region are at risk of becoming homeless by their 18th birthday, according to the news release.
Cheeky Monkeys children's event, play venue now open in Vintage Park
A new location for Cheeky Monkeys, an educational and entertainment recreation center for children, opened in Vintage Park. Store owner and teacher Patricia Moussa told Community Impact the grand opening event took place Aug. 23.
Quote of note: “Say hello to Cheeky Monkeys, the brand new indoor playground for kids ages 10 months - 8 years old, where parents are welcome to join in on the fun too,” Moussa said on social media.
What they offer: At Cheeky Monkeys, kids can play and utilize their mental and sensory development skills, according to the company’s website. The 8,506-square-foot Cheeky Monkeys location will have play and learning structures for children over the age of 4, as well as smaller play areas for toddlers under the age of 4.
Houston available rentals up more than a third from last July
The number of leased listings for single-family homes and rentals available in the Greater Houston area both increased compared to last year in July, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ July 2025 Market Update released Aug. 20.
The details: Leased listings rose 6.5% compared to July 2024, with a total of 4,645 single-family rentals leased in July this year, according to the report.
H-GAC launches regional clean air survey, public meetings
The Houston-Galveston Area Council is inviting residents to help shape the future of clean air and climate action through a new survey and a series of public meetings beginning Aug. 27, according to an Aug. 22 news release.
The Regional Clean Air, Healthy Communities Survey will collect input on strategies to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions across transportation, energy, industry, waste and land use, per the release. Community feedback will guide the Regional Clean Air Action Plan, a roadmap for improving air quality and public health through 2050.
What you need to know: According to the release, the plan is funded by a $1 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant. Residents can take the survey online through Oct. 31, and a series of public meetings will be held across the region.
Fort Bend County: 5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 27 at Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway, Missouri City
13-County Focus (Hybrid): 11 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Sept. 16 at H-GAC, 3555 Timmons Lane, Houston, or join online
