Events

Faith Leaders Gathering
Faith Leader Gathering on Ministry, Community, and Collaboration
You are invited to join Houston Responds for a Collaborative Lunch with Buckner International—bringing together pastors, priests, and ministry leaders from all denominations for a time of fellowship, inspiration, and strategic partnership, united by a shared call to serve.
We are thrilled to feature Dr. Natalie Wood as our guest speaker. Dr. Wood served as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Oregon and former Sr. VP Programs of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Recognized as one of the Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business, Dr. Wood is a national voice in faith-based service and community transformation.
In a time when our neighborhoods face great need—and our churches are needed more than ever—this gathering will provide a sacred space for connection, reflection, and practical partnership. Together, we will:
Explore collaboration opportunities between churches and nonprofit ministries
Learn how to access federal and state resources that support mission-driven outreach
Strengthen congregational engagement and spiritual renewal
Foster new fellowship and evangelism opportunities
Share openly about the challenges and hopes facing our faith communities today
Hear about Buckner’s Family Hope Center, a model for holistic family ministry
Lunch will be served. Whether you shepherd a church, lead a ministry, or oversee a diocesan or district region, your voice and presence are deeply valued in this conversation.

Houston Flourish Forum - Disaster Response
Churches in Houston have long played a vital role in responding to disasters. When natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or other crises strike the city and its surrounding areas, local churches serve as first responders, providing immediate relief to those affected. In the aftermath, churches are providing shelter, distributing water, food and essential supplies - and even helping residents clean up and restore their homes. It’s essential that we coordinate our efforts in disasters to maximize our collective resources and skill sets. Join us as we hear from disaster response experts and churches who have been at the forefront in leading this service to their communities.

Houston Flourish Forum - Education & School Partnership
Churches in Houston have long played a vital role in responding to disasters. When natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or other crises strike the city and its surrounding areas, local churches serve as first responders, providing immediate relief to those affected. In the aftermath, churches are providing shelter, distributing water, food and essential supplies - and even helping residents clean up and restore their homes. It’s essential that we coordinate our efforts in disasters to maximize our collective resources and skill sets. Join us as we hear from disaster response experts and churches who have been at the forefront in leading this service to their communities.

Houston Flourish Forum - Housing
Homelessness remains a significant and complex issue in Houston, underscoring the need for collective solutions that address the root causes. The city's size and diverse population result in a wide range of circumstances leading to homelessness, from economic hardships and lack of affordable housing to mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. Houston has been credited with innovative solutions like the "Housing First" initiative, which are collaborative efforts between the public sector, non-profit organization, but the challenge persists and churches should play a role so all residents have access to stable housing and a path towards a brighter future. Join us as we bring in the local experts in this area who are helping address issues of housing and homelessness, and how churches can play a role.

Houston Flourish Forum - Mental Health
Mental health issues in our city, like many major urban areas, are a significant concern that deserves increased attention and support. The city's diverse population faces a range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions, often exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities, access to care, and other stressors. Access to mental health services and resources can be limited for some communities, leading to disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Houston has made strides in community-based mental health initiatives, increased awareness, and the expansion of mental health care facilities. However, the demand for services continues to outstrip available resources. Churches play a key role alongside mental health professionals in helping people thrive emotionally and socially as they pursue spiritual maturity. Join us for a conversation among mental health professionals, counselors and churches who are engaging these issues in their communities.

Houston Flourish Forum - Addressing Food Insecurity
Hosted by Houston Responds in Partnership with the Houston Food Bank
Flourishing communities are built on a foundation of food security and economic stability. Access to nutritious food is a critical factor in improving health, educational outcomes, and economic mobility. Yet, food insecurity continues to impact many individuals and families in under-resourced communities, limiting their ability to thrive. Addressing this crisis requires collaborative efforts among nonprofits, faith communities, businesses, and government agencies to create sustainable solutions.
Join us for an impactful discussion featuring corporate leaders, nonprofit organizations, and church representatives who are working to combat food insecurity. Learn about innovative strategies, existing programs, and ways churches and community members can actively engage in hunger relief efforts, sustainable food programs, and holistic community support.



State of the City Breakfast 2024
The State of The City Luncheon brings church leaders, non-profit leaders, civic leaders, and generous givers together to consider the critical areas of brokenness in our city and consider how we might work together for collective impact.

Mental Health Flourish Forum
Mental health issues in our city, like many major urban areas, are a significant concern that deserves increased attention and support. The city's diverse population faces a range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions, often exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities, access to care, and other stressors. Access to mental health services and resources can be limited for some communities, leading to disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Houston has made strides in community-based mental health initiatives, increased awareness, and the expansion of mental health care facilities. However, the demand for services continues to outstrip available resources. Churches play a key role alongside mental health professionals in helping people thrive emotionally and socially as they pursue spiritual maturity. Join us for a conversation among mental health professionals, counselors and churches who are engaging these issues in their communities.

“Called to Care” A Wellness Webinar Series - “LLAMADOS AL CUIDADO”UNA SERIE DE SEMINARIOS WEB DE BIENESTAR
LA SERIE DE SEMINARIOS WEB DEL BIENESTAR “LLAMADOS AL CUIDADO” ESTÁ DISEÑADA PARA EQUIPAR Y DAR FUERZA A PASTORES, LÍDERES LAICOS Y MIEMBROS DE LA IGLESIA CON HERRAMIENTAS PRÁCTICAS PARA RESPONDER A AQUELLOS QUE ENFRENTAN DESAFÍOS EN LAS AREAS DE RELACIONES, EMOCIONES Y DE SALUD MENTAL. TODO EN BASE AL AMOR Y CUIDADO DE JESÚS.

Housing and Homelessness Flourish Forum
Homelessness remains a significant and complex issue in Houston, underscoring the need for collective solutions that address the root causes. The city's size and diverse population result in a wide range of circumstances leading to homelessness, from economic hardships and lack of affordable housing to mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. Houston has been credited with innovative solutions like the "Housing First" initiative, which are collaborative efforts between the public sector, non-profit organization, but the challenge persists and churches should play a role so all residents have access to stable housing and a path towards a brighter future. Join us as we bring in the local experts in this area who are helping address issues of housing and homelessness, and how churches can play a role.

“Called to Care” A Wellness Webinar Series - Part II
The “Called to Care” Wellness Webinar series is designed to equip and empower pastors, lay leaders, and church members with practical tools to respond to those challenged by relational, emotional, and mental health challenges with the love and care of Jesus. We desire to prepare the Church to respond to community needs by raising awareness, equipping responders, and coordinating local resources.