S.H.A.P.E. Harambee Building on Almeda

S.H.A.P.E. (Self-Help for African People through Education)  Community Center – Harambee Building

Mission: To improve the quality of life for people of African descent (all people) through programs and activities, with emphasis on Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.

As one of the most visible and involved community centers in Houston’s African-American community and the Houston community as a whole, S.H.A.P.E. has led the way toward justice, equal opportunity, and institution building in the city, state, nation and world. Because of its deep commitment to the community, S.H.A.P.E. has actively sought ways to oppose injustice and to better the community for all people.

In 1969, S.H.A.P.E. (Self-Help for African People through Education) Community Center was founded. Today, the Center provides:

• Family Strengthening & Empowerment Programs year-round, with parent support groups, youth/family guidance and counseling;

• Community Empowerment Programs, including a Fruit & Vegetable Cooperative, Wholistic Health Activities, Kwanzaa Celebrations, Council of Elders, Pan African Cultural Festival, Legal Assistance Clinics, Youth & Adult Computer Classes, and Forums for Community Issues, and other Empowerment Activities.

All of these programs are geared towards youth, family and the revitalization and strengthening of the family.