The Woodlands Unveils Greater Houston’s First Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station #6
In a poignant and hope-filled ceremony, The Woodlands Township unveiled the Greater Houston area’s first Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station #6, marking a major step forward in providing mothers in crisis with a secure and compassionate alternative for infant surrender.
Community leaders, public officials, and advocates gathered on April 28 at noon for the blessing and unveiling of the 338th Baby Box in the nation, an event that brought attention to the growing network of Safe Haven locations across the country. This new resource, located at 1000 Evergreen Circle in The Woodlands, represents a milestone in child welfare for Southeast Texas and is the first of its kind in the region.
A Safe, Legal, and Compassionate Lifeline
The Safe Haven Baby Box allows parents—typically mothers in emotional and practical crisis—to anonymously and safely surrender a newborn child without fear of legal consequences. In Texas, this is supported under the Safe Haven Law, also known as the Baby Moses Law, which was first passed in 1999 and updated in 2023 under Governor Greg Abbott to include secure baby boxes as part of designated emergency care sites.
The Baby Box is installed on the exterior wall of the fire station and includes an automated silent alarm system that alerts on-duty personnel the moment the door is opened. Once a baby is placed inside, the exterior door locks automatically, and responders retrieve the infant through an interior access door to provide immediate medical attention.
“Installing this Safe Haven Baby Box represents our community’s unwavering commitment to preserving life and offering hope,” said Township Vice Chairman Craig Eissler. “This box is more than a piece of equipment—it’s a symbol of compassion, second chances and the power of providing a safe option when it’s needed most.”
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Responding to Local Need with Urgency
Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Township Director, highlighted the tragic realities that highlights the importance of this initiative.
“Last summer, six newborn infants were abandoned in the Greater Houston area. Two babies did not survive,” she said. “This year, The Woodlands Township has provided mothers in crisis with a better option—a choice that is lifesaving for the baby, while being legal and anonymous for the parent. The Township is honored to be the first in what will hopefully become a network of Baby Boxes blanketing Southeast Texas.”
Community and Faith-Led Support
The ceremony featured remarks from Fire Chief Palmer Buck, Landon Reed (on behalf of Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Harris County Precinct 3), and Monica Kelsey, the Founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, who has dedicated her life to the cause after learning she was abandoned as an infant herself.
Deacon Joe Mignogna, from Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church, gave a heartfelt blessing for the Baby Box and the families it will serve in the future.
Since 2016, Safe Haven Baby Boxes have been installed across the United States with the mission of preventing infant abandonment and raising awareness of Safe Haven laws. Each installation offers a secure, non-judgmental way for a parent in distress to do what is best for their child.
How the Safe Haven Law Works in Texas
Under Texas law:
- Infants must be 60 days old or younger, unharmed, and safe.
- Babies may be surrendered at hospitals, fire stations, EMS stations, or in Baby Boxes at designated facilities.
- Surrendering parents will not face prosecution for abandonment or neglect if the law is followed.
- While not required, parents may share family or medical history to help caregivers provide appropriate treatment.
More information is available through the Baby Moses Project or by calling the Texas Baby Moses Hotline at 1-877-904-SAVE.
Building a Safer Future, One Box at a Time
As communities across Texas consider adding their own Safe Haven Baby Boxes, The Woodlands is setting a powerful example. This initiative is not only about saving lives—it’s about giving parents in crisis a humane, judgment-free alternative, and offering newborns a safe path forward.
For those looking to learn more or view the growing network of Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the United States, visit project-safe-haven-babybox.vercel.app.
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.