Houston, Texas
Project Hope Center
EWB’s commitment to improving lives continues locally in a project working with Hope Center Houston to provide dental care resources to Houston’s homeless. The Hope Center is an established, faith-based refuge for the city’s homeless that has expanded with the intention of building a dental clinic. EWB is working to create architectural and electrical drawings that best utilize the space available, according to the specific needs of the Hope Center. Under the review of CECorps (Community Engineering Corps) program, EWB will be able to secure permitting and work alongside Hope Center and [nonprofit – need to find] to actualize the clinic construction plans. This dental care resource has enormous potential to affect positive change for the homeless situation in Houston by restoring dignity and hope to members of our city who so desperately need it.
Implementation
In 2020, The Hope Center Houston purchased a two-story, 40,000 sq ft building with plans to transform part of the second floor into a dental clinic serving the local community.
The Hope Center already has the following resources in place:
Furniture and Dental Equipment: Provided by Burkhart Dental Supply
Volunteer Dentists: In partnership with Spring Branch Community Health Center
Under the Community Engineering Corps (CECorps) program, Engineers Without Borders – University of Houston (EWB-UH) is responsible for the design and permitting of the new clinic, working alongside a team of professional mentors.
Per CECorps regulations, the Project Hope Center team includes:
Student Project Lead
Student Design Lead
Student Communications Lead
Professional PE REIC (Responsible Engineer in Charge)
Professional Mentors
Conclusion
This project will make a lasting difference for the homeless community in the Greater Houston area, providing access to essential dental care and improving both health and quality of life for those most in need.
Through this initiative, EWB-UH is honored to support a project that strengthens local well-being and promotes dignity through engineering service. The chapter remains committed to guiding the design process and is proud to contribute to a sustainable, community-centered solution.
