Our Work – My Connect Community

THE PURPOSE BUILT MODEL

Powering an Ecosystem of Opportunity

In the Houston neighborhoods of Gulfton and Sharpstown, people from around the world find their first homes in the United States. In this heavily immigrant area, residents struggle to adjust to a foreign language and culture, find meaningful work, and guide their children along a robust educational path. MCC, based in the heart of the community it serves, works to strengthen individuals and families by amplifying local voices and supporting the means to overcome barriers to financial stability and access to healthcare, affordable housing, and quality education.

MCC is a proud member of Purpose Built Communities, an umbrella organization that supports place-based nonprofits throughout the country in addressing local needs, supporting residents, and having meaningful impact on individuals, families, and whole communities.

Aligned with the Purpose Built model, MCC takes a 360-degree approach to community wellbeing along the following pillars:

Housing

As Gulfton and Sharpstown have welcomed increasing numbers of newcomers since the 1970s, the neighborhood’s affordable housing stock has required both reinvestment and expansion. As a Purpose Built Communities organization, MCC supports the development and preservation of mixed-income projects that ensure affordability, stability, and safety. This work, informed by community members, develops housing with access to green space, schools, healthcare, grocery stores, and high quality recreational amenities. We recognize housing as a foundational platform for neighborhood opportunity and vitality.

Health & Wellness

MCC advances the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of residents in Gulfton and Sharpstown by removing barriers to care, connection, and participation. Through a neighborhood-wide translation program, MCC ensures families can access healthcare, schools, and essential services with dignity and clarity. MCC connects residents to mental health supports, partners with after-school programs to promote healthy recreation, and operates a Library of Things that allows households within our three-mile impact zone to borrow everyday and wellness-related items—from sporting equipment to small appliances—reducing cost burdens and increasing access.

Together, these efforts reflect MCC’s belief that community wellbeing is built not only through services, but through access, belonging, and the ability of residents to fully participate in civic and cultural life.

Education

MCC supports Gulfton and Sharpstown families from early childhood through adulthood. We work with caregivers of pre-school age children to close the word gap, help families navigate school choice when their children turn five, partner with local schools in developing after-school programs, and offer a pay-to-learn English program for adults. Our work builds language skills, confidence, and opportunity for every member of the family.

Economic Vitality

Through Fabric Forge, MCC equips residents with industrial sewing skills, digital literacy, job readiness, and economic literacy courses, while supporting entrepreneurship and pathways to stable employment. MCC also offers micro-retail spaces as an incubator hub for emerging entrepreneurs from across Houston. By building skills, confidence, and real-world experience, participants are empowered to advance their careers, generate income, and contribute to the vitality of Houston’s economy.

Strengthening Individuals, Families, and Communities

A 360-degree approach to meaningful impact

At MCC, we welcome working with people of all backgrounds and ages to find their best path forward. Learning English, job searching, developing job skills, gaining digital literacy, finding employment, and accessing childcare are all part of lifting up communities one resident at a time. Our doors are always open.