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Be Well Acres Homes

Be Well™ Acres Homes is an initiative of MD Anderson in collaboration with Harris Health System, Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation, UTHealth School of Public Health, and more than 30 community organizations united together with residents of Acres Homes.

Be Well Acres Homes aims to mobilize the community to promote health and wellness. We unite partners to carry out community-led solutions that will make positive, long-lasting change in people’s lives.

The Be Well Acres Homes action plan was developed with and for the community, in alignment with the Houston Complete Communities initiative, a City of Houston program focused on bridging the gap between equity and opportunity in 10 historically under-resourced neighborhoods, including Acres Homes.

Building on a roadmap for community investment developed by the community residents themselves through the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Be Well Acres Homes 18 organizations will implement 23 evidence-based interventions focused on active living, healthy eating and sun safety. These projects will be guided by the Steering Committee to ensure resident feedback and long-term sustainability are built into all aspects of the work.

We are building a healthier community together!

Be Well Acres Homes Impact Report

Be Well Acres Homes Overview Card

Our Current Activities

Healthy Eating and Active Living

Aldine ISD is a CATCH® district that supports healthy eating and physical activity for the whole family. 15 campuses will participate in extended programming in support of the district’s wellness plan.
BakerRipley will increase opportunities for physical activity throughout the community by providing free evidence-based exercise classes, including Bingocize, Texercise Select and Tai Chi.
Brighter Bites is a comprehensive, multi-component school program that increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables combined with nutrition education for obesity prevention among low-income children and their families. They will be active in three elementary schools: two Aldine ISD schools and one Houston ISD school. They will also be hosting cooking classes and producing videos on fruit and vegetable preparation with UTHealth's Nourish program.
City of Houston Health Department will increase opportunities for physical activity at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center through the program called HealthierHOU, an evidence and practice-based program made to improve the health of all Houstonians. Additionally, they will expand the Diabetes Awareness and Wellness Network (DAWN) to Acres Homes to offer diabetes resources, self-management education and many other health related services to reduce and prevent chronic disease.
City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities (MOCC) will expand its expertise in community engagement and public policies and procedures to support Be Well Acres Homes overall.
City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department will improve infrastructure and fitness programs at Lincoln Park for all ages and abilities, with improved pool infrastructure, swimming, aquatic and fitness classes, and offering the “Houston Soccer for Success” program for youth.
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will work with community partners to improve the environment and promote physical activity.
- With the statewide OLE! Texas program, five childcare centers will enhance outdoor learning environments and promote connectivity with nature.
- HCPH will facilitate collaboration between the City of Houston, Aldine ISD, Houston ISD and other partners to create Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Action Plan for improved infrastructure to walk and bike safely around the Acres Homes neighborhood.
Harris Health System (HHS) will expand their community engagement strategy through the Acres Home Health Center by offering programming through their Food Farmacy and teaching kitchen in collaboration with UTHealth, and offering navigation and outreach services to the community.
Honor Humanity will provide chef-curated nutrition education classes and an interactive community garden patch.
To encourage long-term use and stewardship of our shared park system, Houston Parks Board is collaborating with local partners and civic leaders on accessible, community-driven programming related to the proposed Vogel Creek Greenway.
Lone Star College – Houston North is committed to serving unmet needs in the community through institutionalizing food distribution and providing education that contributes to sustained change.
Nature & Eclectic Outdoors (NEO) will partner with several Acres Homes K-12 schools in Aldine ISD and Harmony Public Schools to address child obesity and improve student access to healthy fruits and vegetables. NEO's efforts will encourage family participation and will focus on campus-based gardening programs and nutrition education.
Prairie View A&M University’s Wellness in Houston project will implement multiple community and school gardens, provide nutritional education workshops for access to fresh foods and information to lead healthier, happier lifestyles. They will be collaborating with Beauty's Community Garden and other local organizations.
UTHealth School of Public Health will be collaborationg with the HHS Acres Home Health Center to deliver and evaluate patient and community-inclusive classes focused on reducing food insecurity and improving healthy eating.

Sun Safety

Aldine ISD will increase shade areas on school grounds and implement a district-wide policy and programming to promote sun-safe behaviors and education year-round for both students and employees.
City of Houston Health Department will promote sun safety at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center through sunshades and sunscreen dispensers for patrons.
City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department installed sunshades and sunscreen dispensers at Lincoln Park Pool.

Steering Committee

We engage funded community engagement residents liaisons and representatives from community-based organizations to form a steering committee that guides planning and implementation. Current steering committee members represent the following organizations:

Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development
Acres Homes Community Advocacy Group
Acres Homes Health Action Team
Aldine ISD
American Heart Association
Back to Eden
BakerRipley
Beauty’s Community Garden
Brighter Bites
Center for Civic & Public Policy Improvement
Change Happens
City of Houston Health Department
City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities
City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department
Collaborating Voices Foundation
Communities for Better Health
Harris County Precinct 1
Harris County Public Health
Harris Health
Healthy Outdoor Communities
Honor Humanity
Houston Area Urban League
Houston Food Bank
Houston Parks Board
Houston Symphony
Kings Bike and Hike Community
Lone Star College – Houston North
METRO
Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation
Nature and Eclectic Outdoors
Near Northwest Management District
Prairie View A&M University
Residents & Champions of Acres Homes
Settegast Heights Redevelopment Corporation Northeast Community
The Harris Center
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
UTHealth School of Public Health
UT Physicians Victory Clinic

5 simple ways to get involved

Visit the Acres Homes Farmers Market.
Discover new ways to stay active at Lincoln Park or join a walking group at Highland Park.
Become a community champion and help design activities for all at the future Vogel Creek Greenway trail.
Sign up to receive the Houston Complete Communities Newsletter to learn more about what is happening in Acres Homes.
Be a part of Be Well Acres Homes and spread the word by promoting health and wellness: #BeWellAcresHomes.