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Background

In a unique collaboration between Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, the Houston Area Urban League, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Interdisciplinary Research Leaders program, and Sunnyside and South Park leaders, this “Sunnyside Strong” survey was conducted from October 2018 to February 2019 in the Sunnyside and South Park neighborhoods of Houston, Texas. Because we examined Sunnyside and South Park jointly, hereafter we refer to both areas as “the neighborhood” or “Sunnyside.”

Sunnyside, established in 1912, is the oldest historically African American community in South Houston, and has a unique “rurban” style, with a mix of rural and urban structural characteristics. Small, tidy row homes are interspersed with large, empty lots where horses sometimes graze. Gentrification has just begun in Sunnyside, which has a desirable, closein location, and current residents are keen to revitalize the neighborhood but also keep its heritage intact. To aid their efforts, this survey was conducted to provide local leaders and policymakers with data about neighborhood concerns, well-being, and strengths.

Specifically, this survey included a random sample of 417 households within eight randomly selected Census block clusters in the neighborhood. The survey was conducted by community members who were trained in survey administration and research ethics. The community researchers were paid a living wage and were an integral part of the research team. We used a community-based participatory research approach, which was essential to ensuring the research process was equitable, and included the voices of community members throughout. We also established a community advisory board (CAB), which held researchers accountable to the community; the CAB informed survey design, survey administration, and the dissemination of research findings. Ultimately, the team reached 417 heads of household, representing 1,312 total residents. In all, 24% of sampled residents agreed to participate and completed the 40-minute long survey. Survey participants were compensated $50 for their time.

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