In an inspiring leap forward, Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones have taken a remarkable step towards realizing the American dream for every citizen. This Thursday, they will proudly launch Harris PROSPERS, an ambitious and comprehensive roadmap designed to make sure everyone in the county has a home, a stable job, and the essential pillars to create a fulfilling life.

Commissioner Ellis passionately stated, “[The region has experienced] astounding economic growth. Yet, it's distressing that a significant number of families are trapped in the suffocating grip of generational poverty.” He lamented the stark reality where educational opportunities and vital workforce training remain distant dreams for a large chunk of the population, thereby feeding into the persistent cycle of poverty.

The transformative Harris PROSPERS (an acronym for Pathways to Realize Opportunity, Security, Potential, Equity, Resilience, and Safety) stands out as a beacon of hope. This visionary plan merges existing beneficial programs with fresh, groundbreaking initiatives such as guaranteed income. The primary objective? Transforming Harris County into a sanctuary where every individual can blossom, excel, and lay the foundation for a brighter future.

Within the framework of Harris PROSPERS, several programs are being rolled out to carve paths towards quality employment and equal chances. A notable highlight is the Advantage Apprenticeship program. By joining hands with influential labor unions and impactful nonprofit organizations, it aims to open doors of training and skill development for people in marginalized areas. Parallelly, the Employ2Empower initiative stands as a testament to the county's dedication, focusing on uplifting those grappling with homelessness by integrating them back into the professional domain.

Some of the noteworthy pillars of this initiative include:

• Championing Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and small business evolution.

• Groundbreaking policies that ensure county employees and contractors receive a living wage, especially in construction sectors.

• Staunch worker safety protocols for county contractors.

• Pioneering economic strategies through a unique tax abatement policy, prioritizing MWBE participation and ensuring businesses provide critical benefits like healthcare, local employment opportunities, and fair hiring mechanisms.

• Advancing health by fostering collaboration with esteemed partners like the Houston Food Bank and Urban Harvest.

• Enhancing early childhood experiences with the innovative Early REACH program.

• Propelling digital empowerment through indispensable tools and training.

• Guaranteeing safe and affordable housing, with a spectrum of supportive policies ranging from tenant rights protection to eviction defense and mortgage relief strategies.

A testament to the effectiveness of Harris PROSPERS is the exhilarating 32% surge in contracts awarded to MWBE’s in a mere span of three years.

Commissioner Ellis eloquently sums it up: “Harris PROSPERS isn't just another program on paper. It embodies a solemn promise. A commitment that every resident of Harris County will possess a firm grounding and an unobstructed road leading to prosperity, advancement, and an enhanced life.”

It's clear that with Harris PROSPERS, Harris County is not just dreaming of a brighter future – they're actively building it.

For more info, visit HarrisProspers.com