Community Impact
Case Study: Transforming a High-Crime Community into a Safer Environment
For decades prior to Rainbow’s engagement, a 57-acre residential community in Houston, Texas faced persistent criminal activity and gang presence that negatively impacted residents’ safety and quality of life. In 2010, Rainbow convened a cross-sector coalition that brought together residents, community partners, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, elected leaders, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address these long-standing challenges.
Through this coordinated effort—and with support from the Harris County Attorney General—the coalition successfully implemented a landmark anti-gang injunction covering the residential community and its neighboring elementary school. This designated safe zone was the first injunction of its kind in the county and was intentionally designed to eliminate criminal activity, restore safety, and create a more stable environment for families and children.
For decades prior to Rainbow’s engagement, a residential community experienced persistent criminal activity and gang presence that undermined resident safety and overall quality of life. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive response, Rainbow initiated a coordinated strategy to address these challenges.
Rainbow convened a cross-sector coalition that brought together residents, community-based partners, law enforcement, prosecutors, public agencies, and elected leaders to implement a unified approach to crime reduction. Through this collaboration, the coalition advanced a landmark anti-gang injunction that established a designated safe zone encompassing residential areas and nearby community institutions.
This coordinated intervention was designed to remove criminal activity, restore safety, and create a more stable environment for families. The initiative represents a significant milestone in the use of collaborative, preventative strategies to improve community safety and long-term neighborhood stability.
The results of this coordinated effort were quickly evident, transforming the area into a safe, stable environment characterized by renewed pride, visibility, and connection among residents. Once challenged by persistent crime, the community now reflects a culture of shared responsibility and support for those who call it home. This transformation has drawn national media attention, and the coalition continues to work collaboratively to sustain progress and ensure long-term safety and stability.
But we must also think about how we can help families to access financial programs, educational opportunities, and higher paying jobs. In short, we must think beyond investing in bricks and mortar, and think about investing in people.
Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D.
17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Advancing Affordable Housing Preservation
This family-focused high-rise residential development consists of over 100 affordable housing units located in a dense, urban setting with access to major employment, transportation, and cultural hubs. Thoughtfully designed and recently constructed at the time of intervention, the property occupied a highly desirable location that made long-term affordability especially critical.
With the preservation of affordable housing central to its mission, Rainbow was formally invited to serve as General Partner for a new ownership entity when the property entered foreclosure. Through Rainbow’s involvement, the restructured ownership was able to acquire the asset while working closely with public finance agencies and local government partners to maintain tax credit compliance and preserve long-term affordability. This intervention ensured continued housing stability for resident families and safeguarded a vital affordable housing resource within a competitive urban market.
