The City of Houston proclaimed June 10, 2025 as “SHAPE Community Center Day in Houston, Texas.”
HOUSTON — Houston’s SHAPE Community Center, a cornerstone of the Third Ward for 56 years, announced Tuesday the launch of an ambitious $5 million fundraising campaign to rebuild and expand after a destructive electrical fire in January severely damaged the facility.
The campaign marks an expanded effort from previous fundraising initiatives, with leaders hoping to not only restore the center but enhance programming for youth and families.
Mayor John Whitmire and District D Council Member Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz recognized the organization at City Hall on Tuesday, proclaiming June 10, 2025 as “SHAPE Community Center Day in Houston, Texas.”
“It takes more than a fire to put us out,” said Deloyd Parker Jr., co-founder and executive director of SHAPE.
The electrical fire in January caused significant damage to the interior of the community center, though no one was injured. The organization has been operating temporarily from another location while planning its restoration.
“Things that were there are no longer there which are not replaceable, but the spirit, the spirit is still there,” said Evans-Shabazz. “And certainly I look for the SHAPE Community Center to rise like the phoenix.”
The $5 million campaign breaks down into three phases: $1.4 million needed by the end of July for immediate restoration, $1.1 million for the first phase of expanding programming for youth and families, and $2.5 million for long-term sustainability.
Parker emphasized the importance of the center’s mission, particularly for young people in the community.
“Everybody’s working together until we can get back to where we need to be. Because the most important ingredient are the children. Without the children, there’s no SHAPE because they represent our future.”
When asked about accomplishing the fundraising goal, Parker expressed optimism about the impact on the community.
“I’ll feel better than I feel now, when this building is restored, it’s going to be like a renewal, a new vision of faith, an uplifting.”
The SHAPE Community Center has served Houston’s Third Ward for more than five decades, providing vital programming and services to lift up the community. Despite the setback from the January fire, leaders remain committed to building back stronger than before.