Houston Endowment Grant Strengthens Naturalization in Greater Houston

The Houston Endowment has awarded National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) $2.13 million over three years to strengthen and expand naturalization programming in the Greater Houston area, fostering the successful inclusion of immigrants into the local society, economy, and democracy.

Support from Houston Endowment will focus on building infrastructure within local government to expand and amplify naturalization initiatives through NPNA’s Cities and Counties for Citizenship (CC4C) initiative, while working with local community-based organizations to train teams of “community navigators” to reach and assist the nearly 300,000 eligible-to-naturalize residents in the Greater Houston area.

“We are immensely grateful to Houston Endowment for their generous support and thought partnership in our efforts to scale our naturalization work across the Greater Houston area,” said Nicole Melaku, NPNA executive director. “Just in time for Fourth of July, a day where we at NPNA celebrate new citizens and their various journeys, this grant will enable us to expand our reach and impact, empower more immigrants and refugees to pursue citizenship, and foster their inclusion and immersion into the rich tapestry of Houston’s diverse community.”

“In our city, where nearly one in three people is foreign born, it’s essential for all residents to have the opportunity to actively participate in the community. It’s how we can ensure our region will thrive,” said Ann B. Stern, president and CEO of Houston Endowment. “We’re encouraged by the innovation of organizations like the National Partnership for New Americans, which will help lawful permanent residents overcome barriers and take the final steps toward citizenship.”

This award advances NPNA’s ongoing commitment to remove barriers to naturalization and advance immigrant equity and inclusion initiatives across the country that help immigrants thrive.