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UHD signs agreement with the House of Tiny Treasures

(Houston, Texas, October 26, 2006)   On October 3, 2006 UHD signed an agreement to partner with SEARCH to conduct research, evaluation and program development at the House of Tiny Treasures.

UHD's College of Public Service is using its expertise in child development and criminal justice to combat the devastating effects of homelessness.

"Our ultimate goal is to address the myriad of elements within their life situations that contribute to the at-risk status of these children and their adolescents siblings," said Dr. Beth Pelz, dean of the UHD College of Public Service.

UHD and SEARCH will develop parenting workshops, social communications, and a family literacy program for the children's siblings and parents.

The partnership will include a Center for the Study of Homelessness at UHD to address the impact of incarcerated or drug-addicted parents on a child's development and education. 41% of Houston's homeless population consists of families with children, and this partnership will benefit these children greatly.

SEARCH (Service of the Emergency Aid Resource Center for the Homeless) is Houston's leading homeless service provider in the community. It is a non-profit organization that provides resources to more than 2,000 homeless men, women and children each month. SEARCH gives the homeless opportunities to change their lives and enhance their dignity and self-worth through job training programs, health care, a transitional housing program, a mobile outreach unit, and the House of Tiny Treasures.

In 1992, SEARCH opened the House of Tiny Treasures (HTT), Houston's first licensed early childhood development center exclusively serving homeless children ages 6 weeks to 6 years and their families. It was created in response to this critical need by parents who needed time away from childcare for attending employment and education classes. The program is open to any parent with children who is homeless and working or participating in a job or educational program.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN
UH-Downtown is a public university of nearly 12,000 students, offering a wide variety of bachelor’s degrees, as well as master’s programs in criminal justice, professional writing, security management and teaching. One of four distinct universities in the UH System, Houston’s Downtown University is nationally recognized for its student diversity, wireless campus, outstanding academic opportunities and productive community partnerships. At UHD, the emphasis is on excellence in teaching and student success.

Please use UH-Downtown, UHD or University of Houston-Downtown when referring to our university.