State Representative Senfronia Thompson & The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD Groundbreaking Ceremony

New Youth and Family Wellness Center to replace flood-prone Northeast Community Center

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:43pm

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The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD broke ground on a new Youth and Family Wellness Center in Northeast Houston, a project made possible by $10.5 million in funding secured by State Representative Senfronia Thompson. The new center will provide a safer, more resilient home for behavioral health services and expand access to care and family supports for the growing community.

Why it matters

The existing Northeast Community Center has faced repeated flooding during major rain events, making it an unreliable location for critical behavioral health services. The new Youth and Family Wellness Center represents an important investment in ensuring families in Northeast Houston can access the resources and support they need in a safe, modern, and resilient facility.

The details

The new Youth and Family Wellness Center will expand The Harris Center's ability to provide behavioral health care, prevention programs, and family support services. The center will offer accessible behavioral health care, health and wellness classes, a community room for events, and expanded space to better serve the growing number of residents in need of support.

  • The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD broke ground on the new facility on March 15, 2026.

The players

Senfronia Thompson

A state representative who played a key role in securing $10.5 million in funding to help make the project possible.

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

The public behavioral health authority for Harris County, providing mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability services to more than 80,000 people each year across more than 80 service locations.

Wayne Young

The CEO of The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD.

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What they’re saying

“Investments like this strengthen communities and ensure families have access to the resources they need to thrive. This center will serve as an important hub of support for all citizens in Northeast Houston, and I am proud to have helped bring this investment to the community.”

— Senfronia Thompson, State Representative (District 141) (aframnews.com)

“This project represents more than a new building — it represents our commitment to ensuring families can access critical behavioral health services in a safe, reliable, and welcoming environment. Replacing a facility that has faced repeated flooding with a modern, resilient center allows us to better serve youth and families today while preparing for the needs of our growing community.”

— Wayne Young, CEO of The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (aframnews.com)

What’s next

The new Youth and Family Wellness Center is expected to be completed and open to the public in early 2027.

The takeaway

This groundbreaking represents a significant investment in the mental health and wellbeing of families in Northeast Houston. By replacing a flood-prone facility with a modern, resilient center, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is ensuring residents have access to critical behavioral health services and community resources in a safe and reliable environment.