Houston ISD expanding 'Sunrise Centers': What are they?

HISD expanding to Sunrise Centers

Houston ISD is ending its wraparound services department and streamlining under a new model. FOX 26's Shelby Rose explains more about what this means for educators and students.

HOUSTON - As the Houston Independent School District plans to phase out their wraparound services within their campuses, the district says the plan to expand the number of Sunrise Centers in the area.

What are Sunrise Centers?

What we know:

According to the district website, they are hubs for resources and social assistance for Houston ISD students and their families. Considered one-stop-shops, Sunrise Centers are located in communities with higher needs. 

They have existed since 2023, and are located within existing community spaces like Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCAs.

SUGGESTED: HISD eliminates wraparound services department, shifts to integrated support model

The resources available varies by location, but some of the support families can receive include: 

1. Case management
2. After-school programming
3. Food pantries
4. Uniforms/supplies/hygiene items
5. Homeless and foster care support
6. Parent workshops

Plans for expansion

HISD says they have received board approval to expand to eight locations for the upcoming school year.

However, educators say they will not replace the wraparound services that were once a staple on every single HISD campus.

Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app

What they're saying:

"There’s a sunrise center right down the school from where I teach, but I’m not hearing that kids are going there. When we had the wraparound on campus, you would see the kids go there constantly," said special education teacher Brad Wray.

You can find the Sunrise Center locations and the services they offer here.