After 40 years without new development, the Gulfton and Sharpstown area finally has new affordable housing through the Connect Highstar apartment complex. This development came from Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts and represents a partnership between the City of Houston, Connect Community nonprofit, and Brinshore Development. The complex offers 77 units for families earning 80% or less of the area's median income, mixing residents of different income levels in one community.
The building includes micro-retail spaces where local entrepreneurs can start small businesses and commercial areas for larger businesses. One highlight is the Fabric Forge, a sewing workshop where many female residents work and learn job skills. Robaba Husseini, who moved from Afghanistan in 2019, works as a translator and sewing instructor, helping other newcomer women gain certification and potentially start their own businesses.
The goal is for residents to use these skills to achieve financial independence while supporting their families both locally and internationally. This project represents a larger city effort to create more affordable housing options and shows how public-private partnerships can address housing needs while creating economic opportunities for residents.