BakerRipley has a rich history in building communities that work since its early days when it was part of the Settlement House movement in the early 1900′s. When Alice Graham Baker founded the agency in 1907, the main intention behind it all was to help every resident of Houston have an opportunity for an education, for health, for work, and to become an informed participant in democracy.

One hundred years later, the purpose of BakerRipley hasn’t changed one bit.

What makes Houston so great are our vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods – the true engines of any metro. We believe that neighborhoods are the bridges between individuals and the regional economy. When we strengthen underserved neighborhoods, we can see how the quality of life is raised for everyone not just in that community, but the entire region.

We exist to keep our region a place of opportunity for everyone who is working for a better life.

BakerRipley is the largest charitable organization in Texas and hosts a network of over 70 services sites that helps more than half a million people each year. We fulfill our mission to bring resources, education, and connection by working with our neighbors side by side.

When we strengthen underserved neighborhoods, we can see how the quality of life is raised for everyone not just in that community, but the entire region.

BakerRipley is leading the way for building healthy neighborhoods across the country.

In the past year, three different research groups have published books studying our work. “Every American city,” The Brookings Institution researchers wrote, “can learn from the way BakerRipley is embracing Houston’s future and weaving it into its history.”