What has 2020 been like for you?
It is hard to believe that what started out as the beginning of a new decade has now become the year of a global pandemic. The total number of infections and deaths grieves our hearts. We mourn with those who have lost loved ones. We recognize and celebrate the heroes on the frontlines whose service in healthcare, food, transportation, commerce, and other industries, put their own lives at risk daily to meet society’s needs.
It has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me as I started off worried about keeping myself and my loved ones safe. Shortly after that, I was faced with adjusting to working from home while homeschooling my kids. At this point, we have embraced this new normal, trying our best to be present to the ways we can stay connected to our loved ones while taking care of our physical and mental needs, and the same needs for our neighbors.
What kinds of conversation have you been having about race?
In addition to the coronavirus, we have watched and heard the cries for racial justice, echoing from our cities to several corners across the globe. In addition to the multitude of lives we have lost whose names have been mentioned during peaceful marches and protests, there are many more Black women, men, and children who are denied rights and opportunities simply because of the color of their skin.
For me as a Black Woman, the intersection of my identities has made the issues of race in America very personal. From personal experiences of discrimination to concerns for my husband’s safety, and now starting to have “the talk” with my six year old daughter, I am reminded that the world we live in today is far from what God desires for his children. Like the prophet Habbakuk (Hab 1:1-4), I have cried these words, “How long o Lord?!”
What does it mean to be a part of an organization like SIH at a time like this?
In the midst of so many reasons to worry, I am reminded of reasons to be encouraged and hopeful. The mission and focus of Square Inch Houston recognize that things are not the way they should be, and strive to create opportunities for those who are not getting those opportunities.
Through the SALT Scholars Program, eligible students are provided leadership training, discipleship, and tuition support to help them as they work towards getting their college degrees. As these students are supported, they are empowered to go out and support other students and residents of the Greater Third Ward to bring shalom to others. Just like salt is used to cleanse, purify, season, and preserve, the SALT Scholars are equipped to go out and do the same in a world that desperately needs this.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. - Matthew 3: 13-16
Virtual Open House
This summer, we hosted a Virtual Open House. We had originally planned to do it earlier in the Spring and in person in the neighborhood. However, due to COVID, we had to pivot as so many others have been doing, and decided to go ahead with doing it online.
We were blessed to have several ongoing supporters, and new friends join our call to head about the work that God has been doing in and through Square Inch Houston. We plan to host several more of these hour-long virtual open houses to be able to share updates with many of you. Additionally, if you don’t want to wait for an open house, and would like a similar update from one of the board members, please send us an email at squareinchhouston@gmail.com and we will reach out to schedule a time to do so.
Land Purchase
This piece of property at 3403 Reeves St, was purchased in 2016 for Square Inch Houston by New Life CRC. Today, Square Inch Houston owns this property and is ready to begin exploring what is possible! We hope to see this land in the Third Ward become a space for our scholars, as well as a place for our neighbors to grow in relationship with God and with one another. We look forward to sharing more updates with you in the near future.
Chinyere Eigege Board Member Chinyere serves as the Board Secretary, and is a licensed social worker who works in the Texas Medical Center. As a resident of the Greater Third Ward, Chinyere is excited for the opportunity to serve the neighborhood because she believes forming leaders doesn't just improve individual lives, but transforms entire communities. |  |