About Hey Houston
We keep the pulse on young Jewish life through a digital hub where connection, culture, and experiences thrive.
Our Mission
We believe young Jewish adults in Houston deserve an easy, welcoming way to find their place without insider knowledge. Now, everyone can forge meaningful connections and tap into Jewish life across the city. Hey Houston highlights events, resources, and opportunities that make community life easy to find and even easier to join. However you want to show up, Hey Houston can recommend a space for you.
Hey Houston's Origin: Created for Community
Hey Houston started when a group of young Jews in Houston realized it shouldn’t be so hard to find your place in the community. They wanted one spot where people could connect — whether you’re new to town or just looking to get more involved. With generous support from local philanthropists Bruce and Laura Shelby and the backing of Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism (HCRJ), the idea took flight. While Hey Houston is proudly powered by HCRJ, it stands on its own as an independent platform where any young-ish Houston Jew and show up, plug in, and find their people.
Hey Houston was made possible by the vision and generosity of Bruce and Laura Shelby, who are active members of Houston’s Jewish community.
The inspiration for Hey Houston began when their eldest son, Riley, moved to San Francisco. Three years later, Riley ingrained himself in a thriving Jewish young adult community. This inspired Bruce and Laura to invest in Jewish young adult community at home, here in Houston.
Bruce and Laura are active members of HCRJ, where Bruce serves on the Board of Directors and has held various executive roles. Professionally, Bruce is a real estate developer and founding member of Shelby Estus Realty Group, Inc. Laura is a retired attorney, having worked both in private practice and as corporate counsel before becoming a full-time mom.
Introducing the Hey Houston Team!
Meet the team behind Hey Houston.
Neil is an energy attorney and business professional with a deep love for Houston's Jewish community. He brings a strategic mindset and a deep passion for ensuring that Houston's (young-ish) Jews always can find their place.
Jake is a Houston entrepreneur and community leader who serves as a board trustee of the Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism (HCRJ). He's passionate about building resilient, connected communities and supporting Jewish life.
Not Sure Where to Begin? Let’s Grab Coffee.
It's way easier to figure out where you fit when you’ve got a friendly face showing you around. Let’s meet up!
