Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity

07/31/2026

07/30/2026

“Everybody thinks healing ends when you leave, but healing actually starts when we leave. When you leave a domestic violence home, that’s when all the work really starts to get yourself better.” –Bibi Khan, President of An-Nisa Hope Center
According to the RAPID Survey Project, more than half of Harris County families with young children have difficulty meeting basic needs, such as housing, food, health care, and child care. This can lead to not only material hardship but high levels of emotional distress, which makes navigating complex systems of care even more challenging.

Through the RISE and Resiliency Fund programs, Harris County DEEO Early Childhood Initiatives is tackling some of our families’ most sensitive issues, from navigating children’s exceptional needs to providing therapeutic services to families experiencing domestic and intimate partner violence. These targeted services provide crucial support to families who need it most.

Watch the full video here, featuring interviews with Harris County organizations on the frontlines of mental health and inclusive services for families: https://youtu.be/SHA3sEoEuJ4

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, An-Nisa, University of Houston

07/29/2026

07/29/2026

Don’t miss out on August's session on How to do Business with the County, presented in collaboration with the Harris County Office of the Purchasing Agent.

These sessions are designed to guide businesses through the vendor registration process and help participants navigate contracting and procurement opportunities with Harris County.

Register here: https://linktr.ee/DEEO.Education

07/28/2026

Harris County DEEO was proud to participate in NAMC Houston’s Business Ready Capacity Workshop, engaging directly with contractors committed to growing their capabilities and strengthening their readiness for upcoming opportunities.

This workshop provided practical guidance on the business fundamentals that drive long‑term success — from bonding and insurance to cash flow, compliance, and project controls. These conversations are essential as we work to ensure small, minority‑, and women‑owned firms have the tools and support needed to compete, perform, and scale.

Thank you to NAMC Houston for creating space to build stronger, more prepared contractor communities. DEEO looks forward to continuing to support and connect with businesses across Harris County.

07/27/2026

DEEO was proud to have representation at the NALEO Annual Conference, where public-sector leaders gathered to explore strategies that strengthen communities and expand equitable economic opportunity. Our attendee engaged in sessions focused on workforce innovation, ethical leadership, housing resources, and the role of culture in shaping resilient local economies, insights that directly support DEEO’s mission to empower small businesses and foster inclusive growth across Harris County.

As a special bonus, the conference featured a brief look into FIFA-related programming, offering a unique perspective on how major global events can influence local economic ecosystems. With Harris County joined by a regional delegation of nearly 60 professionals, the experience underscored the collective commitment to building a stronger, more connected community.

We look forward to bringing these learnings back to our initiatives and partnerships as we continue advancing opportunity throughout the county.

07/23/2026

Harris County’s Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity is honored to be recognized in the 2026 National Association of Counties Achievement Awards.

This year’s recognitions include:
• ARPA Accessible Child Care Training – Children & Youth Category
• ARPA Early Learning Quality Network – Children & Youth Category

These programs reflect DEEO’s commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening families, and building pathways to economic mobility across Harris County. Congratulations to our DEEO teams and our partners whose hard work and collaboration made these achievements possible.

We remain focused on delivering innovative, inclusive initiatives that support residents, workers, and businesses throughout the county.

07/22/2026

Harris County DEEO was proud to participate in the LATINA Style Business Series HOUSTON as our Assistant Director of ARPA Initiatives, Dr. Paula Pineda, moderated the “Capital Confidence: Funding, Investing & Financial Growth” panel.

This conversation brought together regional leaders committed to strengthening access to capital, expanding financial confidence, and supporting the long‑term success of Latina entrepreneurs. Topics ranged from lending and investment strategies to leveraging certifications, navigating supply chains, and building strong financial support systems.

For DEEO, this work is essential. Ensuring that small, minority‑, and women‑owned businesses have the tools, knowledge, and pathways needed to grow is central to our mission of advancing equitable economic opportunity across Harris County.

Thank you to LATINA Style and all participating partners for creating space to elevate these critical conversations and empower our business community.

07/22/2026

“It showed me that you have to be motivated and dedicated to go into the classroom every day… simply by making a child smile or learn something new.” –Britnee Jackson, Pre-K 3 Lead Teacher & Accessible Child Care Training & Supports (ACCTS) Participant

Despite their commitment and care for our youngest residents, child care providers face some of the lowest wages in the education industry. According to the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center, 77% of child care directors in Texas reported that wages for educators were too low to attract quality staff. Combined with a lack of opportunity for career growth, this leads to a gap in certified early learning teachers for children.

Through the ACCTS and Early REACH programs, Harris County DEEO Early Childhood Initiatives is addressing this issue by upskilling the early educator workforce. By providing high-quality training, coaching, and certification programs, these initiatives create stability across child care businesses and ensure that essential child care workers have the tools they need to succeed.

BakerRipley, United Way of Greater Houston, UTHealth Houston, University of Houston

07/21/2026

Harris County DEEO was pleased to attend the last HCDE Connects Networking Meetup.

As we work to better serve Harris County’s diverse residents and businesses, opportunities like this meetup offer valuable insights, best practices, and cross‑sector connections that strengthen our outreach and engagement efforts.

Thank you to HCDE for bringing together professionals committed to expanding access and supporting our multilingual communities.