Second Neighborhood Tool Hub Opens in Fort Bend County, Expanding Access to Borrowed Tools
Fort Bend County residents and organizations will soon have greater access to tools for home maintenance, community projects, and disaster relief with the opening of the county’s second Neighborhood Tool Hub. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Monday, February 3, 2025, at 2:15 PM at Abe & Lizzie Daily Park in Simonton to mark the launch of the initiative.
Developed in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Houston ToolBank, the hub will function as a tool-lending facility, allowing local nonprofits, community groups, and individuals to borrow a wide range of equipment for short-term use. The first Neighborhood Tool Hub in the county, located at Jones Creek Ranch Park in Richmond, has provided tools for various projects, and the new Simonton hub is expected to serve additional residents in need of equipment.
Since 2014, the Houston ToolBank has equipped over 900 nonprofits and tax-exempt organizations across Southeast Texas with tools for more than 28,000 projects, saving the community an estimated $15 million. Its extensive inventory supports school improvements, housing repairs, food and water distribution, park maintenance, and disaster recovery efforts. With tool lending hubs and delivery services across multiple counties, the Houston ToolBank enables organizations to complete larger, more frequent service projects without the financial burden of purchasing and maintaining equipment.
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Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales emphasized the program’s goal of making tools more accessible for community improvement efforts. "The Houston ToolBank’s Neighborhood Tool Hubs empower our community by providing access to tools and resources that enable individuals and organizations to build, repair, and improve the spaces around them," Morales said. "By lending tools, they foster growth, creativity, and collaboration, making Fort Bend County a better place for all."
How the Neighborhood Tool Hub Works
The Simonton Tool Hub is a modified shipping container with three secure storage units, each equipped with tools available for loan. Borrowers must place an order through the Houston ToolBank’s online system and will receive a four-digit access code to retrieve their tools from a designated bin.
A variety of tools are available, including:
- Construction tools (hammers, drills, saws)
- Power equipment (generators, air compressors, pressure washers)
- Ladders and safety gear
- Yard and landscaping tools
- Event supplies (tables, chairs, tents)
A complete inventory list can be found on the Houston ToolBank website.
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Tool Borrowing Fees and Policies
Borrowing tools from the Neighborhood Tool Hub requires a nominal handling fee based on the retail value of each item. Member organizations pay 3% of the tool's retail value per week, with tools available for up to eight weeks. Disaster response orders are eligible for fee waivers.
All known fees are due at pickup, with any additional charges due upon return. Unpaid invoices must be resolved before future tool orders can be placed. A full breakdown of tool handling fees is available on the Houston ToolBank website here.
Who Can Use the Tool Hub?
The Neighborhood Tool Hub is available to:
- Nonprofits and tax-exempt organizations
- Community groups and neighborhood associations
- Residents working on home maintenance and improvement projects
- Organizations responding to disasters and community emergencies
Membership with the Houston ToolBank is required to borrow tools. The membership application is available online and is free to complete.
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The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fort Bend County’s second Neighborhood Tool Hub will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with the official ribbon cutting scheduled for 2:15 PM at Abe & Lizzie Daily Park, located at 4026 Nails Rd., Simonton, TX 77476. The event will bring together Fort Bend County officials, community leaders and residents to celebrate the launch of this new resource. Following the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Simonton Tool Hub and learn more about the tool lending process.
For additional details on borrowing tools or becoming a Houston ToolBank member, visit Houston ToolBank’swebsite or contact Nancy Clippard at nancy.clippard@toolbank.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
