Several Fifth Ward residents are anxiously awaiting Thursday. That’s the day County Commissioner Rodney Ellis will attend a town hall meeting at Hester House (2020 Solo St., Houston 77020) to explain what’s happening with the historic non-profit.
The beloved community center, which was founded in 1941, was recently approved by its board to be taken over by Harris County.
That fact does not sit well with several Fifth Ward residents, especially those with close ties to Hester Houston.
THURSDAY MEETING
For some, Thursday’s meeting is a chance to get answers regarding Hester House’s future direction. They also want to know why the issue of Hester House’s ownership wasn’t first brought before the people who rely most on its services before such a move was made
That includes Hester House board member State Rep. Harold Dutton.
“I’m not sure what the meaning of the community meeting is, because if you’ve already [approved placing Hester House under Harris County’s control], what input does the community have in it? We’re just gonna be told what’s going on now,” said Dutton.
REASONS BEHIND MOVE
Harris County Commissioner Precinct 1 Rodney Ellis sent a letter to his constituents last Friday explaining the move, and inviting them to the Thursday gathering.
“Earlier this week, Harris County Commissioners Court approved the option to accept the donation of Hester House to Harris County Commissioner Precinct One as an official community center of the precinct, following a formal request by the Hester House Board of Directors,” stated Ellis. “The Board’s courageous decision is a bold step toward ensuring Hester House’s financial stability and long-term sustainability.”
“Our intent is to preserve Hester House, uphold its mission, and safeguard its legacy for generations to come,” said Ellis, though he recognized some may be wary of the move.
“I understand that change can bring many questions, which is why I have asked my staff to organize this town hall meeting where the Hester House Board of Directors and I will be available to discuss this development and answer your questions,” said Ellis.
“At a time when efforts are underway across Texas to diminish programs and institutions that empower historically marginalized communities, safeguarding spaces like Hester House is more important than ever. This decision strengthens our ability to provide transformative programs and maintain Hester House as a beacon of hope, education, and empowerment in the Fifth Ward.”
BOARD VOTE
Despite Ellis’s correspondence, many Hester House supporters are still in the dark regarding its future.
Dutton said when the Hester House/Harris County proposal was brought before the board, he was uncertain about what that meant for the institution’s future.
“I said, whatever it means, we ought to talk to the community about it as a board and have the community input on it before we decide that we’re gonna do that. I was voted down… I’m still uncertain what that means for the future of Hester House.”
“I’ve been afraid that the $3.5 million Hester House has in the bank, $11 million worth of property [4.7 acres] that Hester House sits on, that somehow or another, when all that becomes county property, I hope we don’t look back on this day and say, ‘Dang, we should have done something different,’” said Dutton.
ADDITIONAL FEARS
Mae Martin, a Houston transplant by way of Mississippi, experienced love at first sight when she was introduced to Hester House. Its water aerobics classes helped the retiree lose over “a hundred and something” pounds. For the past two years, Martin has taken to swimming over 130 laps a day in the facility’s pool and counts herself as one of many Hester House cheerleaders.
“We have many programs going on here: writing classes, computer classes, we have it all,” said Martin. “And if it wasn’t for that, we would be lost. So, what’s going on with the Hester House? We need this Hester House to stay here the way it is right now. We don’t need anybody trying to take over, trying to change things.”
Jennifer Jones first utilized Hester House when she was 14. Now a retiree, she volunteers at Hester House and serves in multiple capacities, impacting youth and adults of all ages.
We need this Hester House to stay here the way it is right now. We don’t need anybody trying to take over, trying to change things.
Mae Martin
She just learned of the change in the center’s ownership and about Thursday’s meeting on Saturday.
“I am extremely appalled by the miscommunication and the understanding that we don’t count,” said Jones. “That is inhumane because we, as taxpayers [and] retirees, are the ones that support the city and the county.”
Jones says she doesn’t know enough about Harris County’s plans for Hester House to oppose them yet. But she will attend the meeting on Thursday to find out.
“I feel like I need to know more about it… and understand the purpose of it as well as the opportunities that still will be available for our seniors,” she added.
Ellis contends the move is for the best interest of all involved.
“At a time when efforts are underway across Texas to diminish programs and institutions that empower historically marginalized communities, safeguarding spaces like Hester House is more important than ever. This decision strengthens our ability to provide transformative programs and maintain Hester House as a beacon of hope, education, and empowerment in the Fifth Ward.”
HISTORY
Hester House has partnered with Harris County Precinct 1 for years, a relationship facilitated by the late Precinct 1 Commissioner El Franco Lee and Dutton. That partnership resulted in Precinct 1 providing the lion’s share of Hester House’s funding.
“[Hester House] was kind of an independent entity. I started this association with the county back when El Franco Lee was the county commissioner. I was able to get the state to put in $5 million to build this magnificent complex where we have now the indoor swimming pool, the health and fitness center and the indoor gymnasium,” said Dutton.
