Programs

Scholarships

The Brentwood Scholarship Program was established in 1982. Since its inception, the scholarship program has awarded grants and scholarships to college students from the Houston area to cover college-related expenses. Funds to support the award of grants and scholarships were garnered as a result of the annual Scholarship Luncheon. First held at Elan’s in 1982, with an attendance of approximately 500, the luncheon and fashion show attendance grew to around 1,500. From 1982 to 2021, funds for the scholarship program were raised through an annual luncheon and fashion show, primarily supported by individual donors and corporate donors. The event was held at several different hotels in Houston, most notably the Hilton Americas Houston,
for over 10 years. Macy’s was a major co-sponsor of the event since 2000, providing staging and clothing for the fashion show.

Although the luncheon and fashion show was discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
donations to the scholarship program have continued. Scholarships are awarded following a competitive review of each student's application package. Over $2 million in scholarships have been awarded to more than 1,900 students since the program’s inception. Some interesting facts about our scholarship recipients from 2019:

Almost 90% of the funds received by students are used towards tuition and books
Over 80% of the recipients are working towards a Bachelor's degree, of which 50% are
recent high school graduates entering college for their freshman year
40% of recipients are pursuing a business degree, 25% are pursuing engineering degrees, and almost 15% are pursuing Nursing degrees.

In 2024, 47 scholarships were awarded, totaling $87,000.

Please see the link below for more information about scholarship applications.

Scholarship Applications

Project Waitt

Our Project WAITT program provides support services to people living with HIV/AIDS as they strive to achieve self-sufficiency and improve the quality of their lives.

Provides the following programs:

Rental Assistance
Mortgage Assistance
Utilities Assistance (electric, gas, and water)
18-bed Transitional Housing (on-site living facility)
Nutrition Counseling
Health Education/Wellness Counseling
Assistance finding a permanent housing.

The services are provided to clients living in Fort Bend, Liberty, Montgomery, Chambers, Waller, and Harris counties. Clients are referred to the program by an HIV service provider, a Case Manager, or by individual contacts.

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Former Cottage Resident

I am a former Brentwood Cottages resident. This is the first opportunity that I have to put in words how much my Brentwood experience has meant to me. My heart is filled with joy, hope and thankfulness as I am writing.

In 2001, while I was coping with homelessness, I was diagnosed with HIV. The diagnosis completely changed my world. For the first time in my life, I experienced rejection by my family and friends. The feeling of devastation was beyond words. In my darkest hours, I came across Brentwood Cottages, which opened the door and welcomed me instantly as a family member. During my 15 months of living at the Cottages, the Brentwood staff showed me compassion and caring that was healing and nurturing. It was that compassion and caring that helped me regain my faith in life.

My transitional stay at Brentwood was a turning point in my life. The staff, through their tireless work, guided me toward an independent living. From case management, food service, to fitness training and nutrition and psychiatric counseling, Brentwood staff delivered comprehensive services that touches each resident. It was during my stay at Brentwood that I realized how much the community affected with HIV/AIDS needs help from groups like yours. Your pioneer work speaks to the existence of humanity. You have helped me find a new beginning in life that was previously bleak and hopeless. Through you help, I eventually moved into an apartment on June 28 and restarted an independent life. Subsequently, at age 40, God blessed me with a lifetime partner who has been an inspiration to me.