TOGETHER BUILDING BACK BETTER

By Abdul Qiyam Muhammad
Afram News
https://aframnews.com/

“I’m going through the most challenging experience of my life with SHAPE,” said Deloyd Parker.

He has served as the executive director of the historic SHAPE Community Center for over 57 years and is still energetic and driven by the love of serving the people.

Known as “The United Nations of The ‘Hood,” SHAPE is a precious cornerstone of Houston’s Third Ward, serving generations of families through programs and activities, with emphasis on Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. 

January 2027 will mark two years since a devastating electrical fire took place at SHAPE’s Nia Becnel Family Center, located at 3815 Live Oak. The building and priceless historical items were significantly damaged and lost. That included the “Wall of Fame” photo collection that adorned the interior walls.

Nedzra Ward, President of the Board of Directors, shared how the first few days after the fire were very trying for everyone who loved SHAPE and those who visited the sacred grounds were in shock and silence.

“We knew we had to start working to get things back up,” said Ms. Ward who has been apart of SHAPE’s staff and board for decades.

In the aftermath, Ms. Ward called the insurance company and then reached out to Charles Cave to be the lead project manager. They also reached out to engineers Brian Smith, Barbara Smith and Frank Brown, and other experts to formulate the group known as Together Building Back Better (TBBB).

The team met weekly at the Harambee Admin Building located at 3903 Almeda Rd. And to continue serving the people, Mr. Parker and team worked to get that building certified and operational, especially for the children.

“Deloyd never stopped. He was the driving force for everything. He made sure that someone was taking care of licenses and that this place was being refigured. His whole goal was to have these kids back and in a safe environment,” said Ms. Ward. 

“We have served the people for 57 years and as a result of serving the people, the people are coming through,” said Mr. Parker. “It’s going to take more than a fire to put us out.”

Volunteers from the community stepped up to help at Harambee Admin Building. Many programs, events and activities have resumed including the weekly Elders Institute of Wisdom and enrollment is now open for the 2026-2027 After School Enrichment Program.

Soft opening scheduled for November

The desire was to reopen the gutted Live Oak location within a year but Ms. Ward and Mr. Cave described the many challenges SHAPE has faced in this rebuilding effort. The insurance did not cover everything that’s needed and tariffs implemented by the White House Administration has had an impact on the market and cost of necessary materials.

“We realized that fundraising was going to be a key part of it. We started a fundraising effort and we’ve had some great participation by the community,” said Mr. Cave, who worked with SHAPE on a similar project in the early 90’s.

Generous donations have been made by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church ($400,000) and H-E-B. ($100,000). Mr. Parker and the team are appreciative of all the loving contributions that are made from the community.

“There are two kinds of insurance. Insurance that you pay every month, a premium; never file a claim. But when the time come for you to file a claim, you go through hell,” said Mr. Parker. “But there’s another kind of insurance when you’re insured with the people and you’ve already filed your claim. You’ve already served the people and the people always come through. They are giving us what we need.”

There are still a lot of things needed to restore the computer lab, the café and furnishings throughout the Live Oak building. “We’re very close to completion. We hope to be back in our building and have a soft opening in November,” said Ms. Ward.

SHAPE called on the community to support a benefit concert headlined by a prominent music artist who did it at no cost. The fundraising goal for the concert was $500,000 and was held at the historic Eldorado Ballroom located at 2310 Elgin St.

For more information on upcoming events and how to support SHAPE Community Center’s Restoration Campaign, visit www.Shape.org.