The Third Ward Community Cloth Fund Management Corporation is the legal and funding mechanism for the Third Ward Community Cloth Cooperative (The Cloth). Collaboration is the central theme of the Cloth's genesis story, which dates back thirty years to 1992. The founding of the organization was a direct response to the priorities and needs expressed by community stakeholders. Our Mission and Guidin
g Principle:
To identify, mobilize, unify, stabilize, create and coordinate resources to nurture and enhance the bodies, minds and spirits of children, youth and families in the greater Third Ward area. Our History:
The Third Ward Community Cloth Cooperative (the Cloth) is a direct outgrowth of two community initiatives: SHAPE Community Center's Project Harambee implemented in 1990, and the Houston Area Urban League's Coffee and Conversation organized in 1992. Starting with 16 organizations in 1992, the Cloth has reached over 400 community-based organizations, churches, schools and businesses serving one of Houston's oldest inner-city neighborhoods. What makes us unique is our concept of being an “ORGANIZATION OF ORGANIZATIONS" focusing on resources for children and families in the greater Third Ward area. Recognizing our guiding principles requires a different approach, twelve threads were established with a focus on addressing existing gaps, deficits and emerging needs, of families, by identifying and/or developing approaches to meet those needs. Today, The Cloth continues to weave a grassroots fabric spreading across the greater Third Ward community thus ensuring adequate coverage for children and families.
