Houston, Texas
Mission Trips

Houston is the 4th largest city by population in the United States. But even though it is home to over 2 million people, the city sits on such a large piece of land that it often feels as if you're in a much smaller city. Over time, Houston has developed into a city with a distinctly international flair, urban amenities, and a diverse population. 

When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, thousands of homes experienced significant water damage, displacing over 30,000 people. Not only were homes damaged, but also places of employment, education, and more. PPM teams began coming to serve in Houston shortly after the storm wreaked havoc. Working and serving to help rebuild homes, churches, and communities led to much deeper partnerships and more understanding of the needs and opportunities within Houston. 

Years later, we are still serving with the same partners, seeing their communities thrive and shift to meeting daily needs as opposed to disaster relief needs only. Your mission team is needed for kids ministry, sports ministry, service projects, elderly and shut in ministry and more. The beauty and diversity of Houston allow for teams to experience a variety of ministry possibilities as they partner with local churches and established and respected non-profits as they work to serve the city.

Climate

Houston boasts a humid subtropical climate. August normally ranks as the warmest month at an average of 84.6 °F and January is the coldest month, averaging 53.1 °F. Get ready for humidity - it is legendary here!

Language

Though English is the primary language for most Houston residents, you will find a number of different cultures thriving within the city. Due in large part to its proximity to Mexico, there are a large number of Spanish speakers. Nearly 39% of the population speaks Spanish. Other cultures include Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, German, French, Indian, Arabic, and more.

Safety

As in most large cities, there are areas that require caution when traveling, but as a whole Houston is a safe and exciting city to visit. Your PPM staff will be with you every step of the way, keeping your team's safety as a top priority.

Houston is well known for its investment in oil and petroleum refining. As the city has grown, so has the diversity of its economy. Houston now boasts thriving medical research and healthcare industries, an exploding tech sector, commercial fishing, sports and entertainment, as well as several large universities.  

Houstons are proud of their food. If you love great TexMex or southern BBQ, then you will love the local offerings. They love things drenched in cheese, gravy, and chipotle butter. As a true Houstonian would say, "We may not have invented these essential dishes, but we most certainly perfected them!" While in Houston, try one of these local favorites: chicken fried steak, Viet-cajun crawfish, breakfast tacos, pho, chili con queso, fajitas, and barbeque brisket.

While in Houston, there are lots of things you can do for fun! Visit NASA, hit the beach, catch an Astros (baseball) game, or visit one of the city's iconic museums. If you want to check out something truly "local," hit up a rodeo or visit the JP Morgan Chase Tower to get a view of the whole city. Take a walk on the historic Rice University campus or bike along the Buffalo Bayou. If you're feeling adventurous, check out the bat colony at Waugh Drive Bridge or explore the 87,000 square foot, 25-foot tall underground cistern.

On the heels of the Texas Revolution, two New York City real estate promoters, John Kirby Allen and Augustus Chapman Allen were seeking a location where they could begin building "a great center of government and commerce." In August 1836, they purchased 6,642 acres (27 km²) of land for $9,428. The "city to be" was named after Sam Houston, the hero of San Jacinto, whom the Allen brothers admired and anticipated to be the first President of the Republic of Texas. By 1837, only 4 months after its founding, there were over 1500 people in Houston. The city was granted incorporation by the state legislature on June 5, 1837.

Through the years, Houston has endured a number of natural disasters and economic challenges but it has continued to thrive. After surviving the Civil War that began less than 30 years after the founding of the city, Houston became a center for commerce. Leading the way in oil, fishing, education, and social issues, Houston has blossomed into a resilient, diverse city with over 6.3 million people in the metro area.

Of Houston's 6 million inhabitants, 43% are affiliated with a Christian church. 15% are Catholic, 2% are of an eastern religion; 3.28% affiliate with Islam.