Houston Disaster & Recovery Expo Connects Hundreds of Residents to Critical Recovery Resources
More than 250 residents connected with disaster recovery programs, preparedness resources and community partners during HCD’s largest Single-Family community resource activation to date
August 27, 2026 -- Houston, Texas -- The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) brought recovery resources directly into the community on Saturday, August 22, hosting the Houston Disaster & Recovery Expo at the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center.
More than 250 attendees participated in the free community event, connecting one-on-one with subject-matter experts, City staff and more than 30 community and resource partners offering information on disaster preparedness, long-term recovery, housing assistance, legal services, financial resources and community resilience.
The Expo served as the official in-person launch of the DR-24 Single-Family Home Repair Program, designed to assist eligible Houston homeowners whose homes were damaged by the May 2024 Derecho and Hurricane Beryl.
Throughout the event, HCD Single-Family staff met directly with residents to answer questions about eligibility, required documentation and the application process. A total of 100 DR-24 applications were distributed during the Expo.
“Recovery is about more than rebuilding homes, it is about making sure residents have access to the information, resources and people who can help them move forward,” said HCD Director Mike Nichols. “The turnout at this Expo demonstrated both the continued need in our communities and the importance of meeting residents where they are. We are grateful to every partner, sponsor and staff member who helped make this event a meaningful connection point for Houston families.”
The Expo combined information with action, giving residents the opportunity to participate in expert-led discussions on disaster recovery and preparedness before connecting directly with organizations at resource tables. Residents were able to ask questions, learn about available programs and leave with tangible next steps for preparing, recovering and strengthening their households.
Adding a little friendly competition to the day, HCD also hosted a Super Neighborhood Attendance Challenge encouraging neighborhood groups to show up and represent their communities. Acres Home Super Neighborhood took the top spot with 17 members in attendance, earning a $250 Kroger gift card to support its October community dinner meeting.
The event was made possible with the support of HCD’s community partners and generous sponsors, whose contributions helped create an engaging and welcoming experience for participating residents.
While the Expo may be over, HCD’s work to connect Houstonians with long-term recovery assistance continues.
Residents interested in the DR-24 Single-Family Home Repair Program are encouraged to learn more about program eligibility, and review required documentation by visiting our website. Residents ready to apply may call (832) 394-6200 to request an application.
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The City of Houston Housing and Community Development (HCD) department makes long-term investments to improve the lives of Houston residents by creating opportunities for every Houstonian to have a home they can afford in a community where they can thrive. Our department will invest approximately $450 million in federal, state, and local funds this fiscal year to construct and maintain affordable homes, reduce barriers to homeownership, support the work of social service providers, build public amenities, and facilitate disaster recovery efforts. Learn more about programs and resources for Houstonians at http://houstontx.gov/housing.
