EXCLUSIVE ONLY ON THE INSITE: THE PROPOSED DEAL IS OFF AT THE CITY OF HOUSTON!

THE MULTI-SERVICE CENTERS WILL STAY IN THE HANDS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND SENIORS ARE HAPPY!

It was back in August when the Insite reported the City of Houston was considering privatizing all of its Multi-Service centers.

Back then Mayor Annise Parker confirmed there were preliminary conversations underway which alarmed senior citizens at the West Gray Multi-Service center.

Hundreds of older Houstonians rely on the facility daily for various services like rehabilitation and other activities free of charge.

Those seniors started a letter and email campaign writing Houston City Council Members and Mayor Parker.

I'm not sure if it played a role but now the Mayor's office confirms there are no plans to privatize the Multi-Service centers in Houston. Janice Evans wrote:

"They never submitted a proposal and they canceled the one scheduled meeting to discuss it with the health department. The mayor has not been involved at all."

Some city leaders initially planned to meet with the non-profit Neighborhood Centers in Houston to take over the 12 facilities. On August 11th the organization issued this statement on the matter:

"We have a long history of more than forty years of working with the City on many different programs and it has been a great partner. We always are open to the opportunity of working with the City and many other partners in keeping Houston a place of opportunity for all who live here."

Now, it appears the deal is dead and seniors in Houston can breath a sigh of relief because their beloved Multi-Service Centers will stay with the government!