Reopening Readiness Campaign – First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston

Join Our 2021
Capital Campaign!

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston is a thriving beacon for inclusive spiritual development, social justice and liberal religious values.The Museum District (MD) campus is a center for engagement with the Greater Houston community and our Thoreau campus in Fort Bend County is in one of the most diverse and fastest growing areas in the country.

As our faith community enters intoa new phase post-pandemic, with a projected re-opening of our two campuses in July 2021,our congregational homeshave some immediate repair and accessibility needs. We also have a unique opportunity to“green” our MD campus at this time and we are in ongoing discussions with the Texas Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program to see how a portion of our project might be financed by net-zero PACE financing. Our Thoreau campus also has some important needs that can be completed soon.

Overview of the immediate needs and estimated costs:
Keeping Congregants Cool:
Replacement of majority of MD HVAC system; replacement of ceiling fans = $115,608

Cooking & Hydration for Our Community:
Stove, hood & water fountain replacement at MD = $6,100

Improving MD Accessibility/Safety:
Inspections;tree trimming;handrail repair; contract for surface lot parking = $10,850

Upgrading Thoreau Accessibility & Plumbing:
Gravel & strip parking lot;plumbing repairs; tree branch removal;southwest drainage; exterior paint; nonskid surface on outdoor stairs; printer for Sunday service materials = $15,231

Practical Planning:
Replenish facilities contingency fund; capital cost escalation contingency of 10% = $36,531
Reimbursement for Pandemic Increased Technology: our pivot to online programs was made possible with increased technology, equipment and services = $40,680

Returning Borrowed Program Funds:
The elevator repair for our MD campus was quoted at$85,000, but required $150,000 to complete; we borrowed $65,000 in program funding to pay for that important accessibility repair = $65,000

On March 17, 2021, the First UU Board authorized a small capital campaign for $290,000 to move forward. Now is the time to fund these immediate needs and be ready to welcome our returning and new members this summer. Your gift is important and very much appreciated!

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen:colin@firstuu.org;Ron Cookston: roncookston@sbcglobal.net; or Kay Crider: kaycrider@me.com.

Thank you.

You can donate to this campaign HERE!