TOGETHER BUILDING BACK BETTER 

On January 19, 2025, a historic fire took place at SHAPE Community Center’s Nia Becnel Family Center, located at 3815 Live Oak. We are eternally grateful that no one was physically harmed.

The Nia Becnel Family Center has been a cherished community hub for over five decades, but the building and contents suffered significant damage due to the electrical fire. To our community, SHAPE has never been “just” a building. Walking through the charred remains of our story brings an overwhelming sense of loss.

We are grieving with the community for the generations of history that have been lost, for the shared experiences that we lived in that space, and for the hindered progress that will impact some of our programs and activities. Please continue to give us and yourselves the grace to have a human response to this experience.

While there is never a good time for a tragedy, the significant winter storm caused some delays in our fire recovery process. Our foremost concern has been the safety of our community, volunteers, and staff, ensuring that everyone was out of harm’s way and prepared for the forecasted weather disaster.

As we thoroughly assess our situation, we are also working to fully restore all of our programs. The Elders Institute of Wisdom and the volunteer program have resumed at the Harambee Admin Building at 3903 Almeda Rd., 77004. Our After-School Enrichment Program is on hold until we can update our occupancy certification and change the location for our child care license to the Harambee Admin Building. It is our fervent hope that our children will be able to come back by March 2025.

Despite this unfortunate event, the spirit of SHAPE's mission will persist. This temporary challenge opens the door to fresh possibilities, paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future. We invite you to join our official restoration campaign, “Together Building Back Better”.

There are many ways you can help through financial contributions, time, skills, and technical knowledge. We will continue to update our website and social media with needs, ways to donate, contact information, and progress.

SHAPE’s dedicated staff, board, and volunteers appreciate your patience and support. Together, we can rise from this tragedy and build a better future for all.

(credit/debit card, PayPal, ACH available for $250+)

Other Ways to Donate

By mail:

Mail a check or money order made out to SHAPE Community Center

Memo: Restoration Campaign

P. O. Box 8428
Houston, TX 77288 - 8428

In-person:

SHAPE Harambee Admin Bldg 3903 Almeda Rd., 77004

M-F 11:00 am-5:00 pm; Sat 9:00 am - 3pm

Zelle:

713-498-2700

Other Ways to support

Volunteer:

M-F noon - 5:00 pm; Sa 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (hours are subject to change). Please click this link to submit our information form if you would like to volunteer generally or have specialized skills.

Donate:

We are still assessing our needs, but below, some items are listed that can help with maintaining programs at the Harambee Bldg and preparing for the next stage at the Nia Becnel Family Center.

Amazon Wish List - Immediate needs for restoring Youth Program