Urban Edge Series

About half of Harris County residents unable to pay an unexpected $400 bill

An increasing number of Harris County residents are unable to readily come up with $400 to cover an unexpected expense — such as replacing tires worn out from crumbling roads, replacing a refrigerator full of food after the electricity is knocked out for a couple of days, or having a kid get sick or injured and needing to make a visit to an urgent care facility.

With Robins Landing, Habitat for Humanity takes on a new role: master-planned community developer

City officials, home builders and affordable housing developers gathered in northeast Houston this week to celebrate a new model for mixed-income housing.

Houston hopes more homeowners will embrace housing literally in their backyard

There is a lot to like about accessory dwelling units—garage apartments, in-law cottages, granny flats—as a form of housing. Done well, ADUs can help meet the needs for multigenerational families, workers and students, and they offer a gentler form of infill density in urban neighborhoods. They can also provide a source of income and build wealth for the homeowners who choose to build them. What will it take to spark a “backyard revolution” in Houston?

Is 3D printing ready to help meet the demand for housing? Texas puts it to the test

The urban population centers in Texas are losing their competitive edge in terms of housing costs, and it's becoming more expensive to build houses everywhere. Could 3D-printed housing help cities keep pace with demand and keep costs under control? One of the largest tests of the technology will soon be underway.

How close is Houston to ending homelessness? Closer than you think.

Houston has made considerable progress in reducing homelessness in the past decade. We know exactly what it will take to become the first major city to effectively end homelessness—including how many affordable housing units we’ll need to build.

What if houses of worship helped build more affordable housing?

Many houses of worship own empty and underused buildings and land. Cities and counties need properties for affordable housing. Seems like a match made in, well, heaven.

Harvey Reflections: A Tech Community Comes of Age

"We were prepared. We were ready to work for 48 hours."

Harvey Reflections: Fifth Ward Weathers the Storm, Wary of Gentrification

Revitalization or gentrification? In Fifth Ward, Harvey raised the stakes.

Harvey Reflections: Opening Homes for Disaster Relief

The government response was critical during Harvey. But Ed Pettitt, who hosted evacuees in his Third Ward home through Airbnb, said citizen response was the most impressive.

Harvey Reflections: Community Organizing, Recovery and Frustration

With known and unknown environmental risks, an organizer on the east side of Houston reflects on a frustrating reality even after the rain.

Harvey Reflections: Strengthening Community

A Super Neighborhood president who wants to see his community stronger than before Harvey.

Harvey Reflections: Medical Needs, Pets and Guns at the Shelter

During Harvey, former mayor Annise Parker put in 14-hour shifts helping manage a critical emergency shelter.

Harvey Reflections: Forming Relationships

One young organizer with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association shares his experience after Harvey.