Empowering Houstonians for Climate Resilience

Client: Coalition of Community Organizations (COCO)

Location: Houston, Texas

Purpose

In partnership with the Coalition of Community Organizations (COCO) we hosted a series of climate-focused workshops and events. These activities offered accessible, tailored programming to help diverse Houston communities understand local climate challenges and empower them with practical solutions. Over the course of the initiative, the Climate Connect team facilitated 11 workshops and two community tours, providing resources and education on issues like disaster preparedness, urban heat, pollution, and climate resilience.

Building Skills, Inspiring Change

Here’s a closer look at the sessions offered through Climate Connect:

Weatherization Training for Seniors (2 sessions): Focused on preparing senior residents for energy efficiency and cost savings.
Disaster Preparedness Workshop (2 sessions): Educated participants on strategies for safeguarding homes and families.
Green Economy Mixer and Career Fair for Young Adults (2 sessions): Connected youth with opportunities in Houston’s evolving green economy.
Mini Climate Science Camp for Students (2 sessions): Engaged 3rd to 5th graders in hands-on climate science activities.
Climate Back to School Bash (2 sessions): Brought families together for a day of learning and community.
Toxic Tour (1 session) and Climate Resiliency Tour (1 session): Provided on-the-ground experiences of local environmental issues.
Disaster Recovery Workshop (1 session): Focused on post-disaster planning and recovery steps.

By working with local partners, Climate Connect aimed to foster a sense of collective resilience, building a community-led response to climate impacts and creating an inclusive model for climate action.

Collaborative Recruitment and Engagement

To reach a wide audience, Climate Connect employed a multifaceted recruitment strategy, leveraging community networks. Outreach efforts included email campaigns, community flyers, and social media promotions to attract a diverse range of participants interested in building community resilience.

Evaluating Impact and Enhancing Preparedness

To measure program effectiveness, we used a comprehensive evaluation framework combining traditional pre- and post-tests with innovative methods, such as tabletop and scenario-based exercises, to ensure participants retained and could apply the knowledge they gained. This thoughtful approach to impact evaluation was essential in refining the program to meet community needs more effectively.

A Blueprint for Resilience

This initiative serves as a blueprint for future collaborative efforts to create resilient, informed, and climate-prepared communities across the globe. Through Climate Connect, Houston’s communities gained tools to foster lasting change, helping them to better navigate and respond to the challenges posed by climate change.