HISTORY

North Richmond has a deep, rich history dating back to 1822 when a log fort was built by a group of men led by William Little at the bend of the Brazos River. It became the center of a settlement that came to be known as Fort Bend. Since the birth of Fort Bend County, this community has been one in transition; seeing everything from Jane Long’s boarding house, to the railroad and a prosperous trade center, to slavery and abolition, to the county seat. Now, over 180 years later, 7,300 residents call North Richmond home.

1860’s Brazos River Ferry Crossing near 2nd Street in North Richmond

When you visit North Richmond, take some time to visit the Morton Cemetery which is so rich in history. Here you will find the graves of Walter Moses Burton the only black sheriff to ever serve Fort Bend County, Jane Long, Lamar and many more.

OUR PART OF THE STORY

Back in March of 2009 Richard Logan became River Pointe Church’s Missions Pastor and began to pray about areas in close proximity to the church that had a high concentration of need. One day he just got in his car and began to drive. He remembered people talking about an at-risk area north of downtown Richmond and decided to just go and take a look for himself. Richard was so moved by the need and how we as a church could partner with others in the community to bring about lasting transformation. After many conversations with city leaders, local residents, and pastors, Friends of North Richmond was born!

We believe that as a church we can no longer sit in silence and do nothing. We want to get involved in making a difference, praying for transformation and caring about the things this community cares about. We are committed to our friends in North Richmond for the long term because this community is ours and the need is great. We would rather do a lot in a few places than do a little in a lot of places. Locally, we intend to focus 70% of our volunteer hours in this specific area. Over the next decade we are dreaming about entire family legacies being transformed.

PRESENT DAY FACTS AND FIGURES
(info gathered from the 2000 US Census and Demographic Studies)

Population
North Richmond is home to 7,300 people. 73% of the community is of Hispanic origin, followed by African American and Caucasian. The median age is about 29 years old.

Education
26% of the community has a high school degree and 2/5 of the community did not attend school past the eighth grade. 2% of the population has obtained a bachelor degree. 96% of the children are on free or reduced lunch.

Income
The average per capita income is $12,372. Median household income averaged around $36,000 in 2008. (The median household income within a 5-mile radius of Sugar Land Town Square is $105,000). Approximately 15% of the population earns less than $15,000 per year. 95% of the children at Pink and Juan Seguin Elementary Schools are on “free and reduced lunch”.

Housing
41% of the community are considered renters. Median home values peak at nearly $41,000. Over 100 homes are vacant across the community. 30% of all housing units are mobile homes.

Employment
The unemployment rate is nearly 16% and rising with the recent closure of the Foundry. Of the working population, over 73% are in a services or blue-collar occupation. The top three industries are services, construction and retail.

Consumer Spending
Food has the highest spending potential index within the community, whereas investments were least likely to be purchased.

These facts combined with the relationships we have already built with residents and community leaders have led us to launch five initiatives where we desire to add value through relationship. Those initiatives are Spiritual, Education, Benevolence, Literacy and Construction. Take some time to learn more about each of these on this site and as you move through these pages and drive through North Richmond ask God to show you his heart for North Richmond. Ask him to help you see as he sees. See beyond the generational poverty and in many cases the “failed hope” to the people and their stories. I know that God will bless you as you begin to think of others.