Texas Southern University Launches Institute for Urban Public Health and Housing to Advance Community Health and Empowerment

 Texas Southern University proudly announces the launch of the Institute for Urban Public Health and Housing, a transformative hub dedicated to addressing the non-medical drivers of health, fair and affordable housing, and community wellness in Houston’s historic Third Ward and beyond.

The Institute, housed in the renovated W.R. Banks Child Development Center, will feature approximately 6,000 square feet of modernized space designed to foster research, training, and engagement. Renovations include ADA-compliant facilities, upgraded HVAC and energy-efficient lighting, flexible conference and workforce training rooms, wellness and clinical care spaces, and a new technology-enhanced multipurpose center for community use.

A Mission Rooted in Community Transformation

The Institute will pursue a holistic approach to tackling health and housing by:

• Strengthening Housing Advocacy & Outreach – Building partnerships with grassroots organizations and local housing advocates, including Cuney Homes, to improve access to affordable housing.
• Enhancing Workforce Training – Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through hands-on training, technical assistance, and workforce development programs.
• Expanding the Faculty-Student Research Pipeline – Supporting collaborative research on non-medical drivers of health and fostering partnerships with institutions across the Texas Medical Center.
• Improving Access to Wellness Services – Leveraging existing healthcare partnerships to provide seminars, clinical forums, and community wellness activities.
• Mentoring K–12 Students – Offering year-round after-school and summer programs in collaboration with Texas Southern University undergraduates to strengthen academic success and critical thinking skills.
• Creating a Centralized Space for Community Engagement – Providing a technology-enabled hub for dialogue, collaboration, and empowerment on health and housing issues

Banks Building Ribbon Cutting

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Anchored in Texas Southern University’s Legacy

Since its founding in 1927 and legislative designation in 1973 as a “special purpose institution of higher education for urban programming,” Texas Southern University has been deeply committed to the Third Ward community. The Institute builds on that history, addressing persistent inequities in housing, healthcare, and education, while strengthening community resilience.

“The Institute for Urban Public Health and Housing embodies Texas Southern University ’s mission to serve as a catalyst for change,” Vice President for Research & Innovation Michelle John, Ph.D. “By linking research, education, and direct community engagement, Texas Southern University is ensuring that our scholarship translates into real-world solutions for Houston’s most pressing challenges.”

A Vision for Equity and Impact

The Institute was established by congressionally directed spending through the Health Resources and Services Administration secured by the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Once fully operational, the Institute will host annual conferences, quarterly seminars, and community workshops, while serving as a model for urban-focused, research and engagement across the nation.

For additional information about the Institute for Urban Public Health and Housing Equity, please contact Dr. Michelle John (michelle.john@tsu.edu) or Dr. Zuri Dale (zuri.dale@tsu.edu).