6/16/2014
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cindy Gabriel, PIO Harris County Community Services Department
713-578-2215 office

Harris County Eastgate Cemetery Opens
Dedication Ceremony
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
10:30 a.m.
21122 Crosby-Eastgate Road
Crosby, Texas, 77532
For the first time since 1923 a new indigent cemetery is opening to serve residents of Harris County as the historic Harris County Cemetery at 5434 Oates Road reaches capacity. The Harris County Community Services Department, which operates the Bereavement Program through its Office of Social Services, has spearheaded the process that led to the new cemetery located in Crosby, Texas.
Phase One of the new development consists of 11 acres, which is part of an overall 92 acres of property. Fifty of the 92 acres was purchased by Harris County for approximately $340,000. An additional 42 acres contiguous to the site was previously owned by Harris County Precinct IV and donated to the cemetery at no additional cost.
In total, approximately $2.1 million in HUD Community Development Block Grant funding went toward the development of this project. Eight hundred thousand ($800,000) was contributed through the City of Houston, while the balance was provided through Harris County. An estimated 53 per cent of all decedents have been residents of the City of Houston, while the remaining resided in outlying areas of Harris County.
Last year, Harris County handled almost 700 decedents of which 80% were cremations. Phase One accommodates approximately 2,500 adult burial sites, 1,500 infant burial sites and 340 cremation vault sites. Each vault holds approximately 200 remains.
It is important to note that, while the Oates Road site is expected to receive its final burials in mid-July, it is not closing for those who wish to visit their loved ones. Both cemeteries will remain open to visitors during regular county hours.
Texas law requires that counties bear the responsibility of burying every indigent and unclaimed resident with its borders per Section 694.002 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Wednesday, June 18th a Dedication Ceremony will take place at 10:30 in the morning, officially opening the new cemetery. The first burials at the new cemetery will take place in mid-July.
Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle, Harris County Community Services Director David Turkel, City of Houston Housing and Community Development Director Neal Rackleff and HUD Houston Field Office Director, Edward Pringle will offer brief remarks.
For more information contact Cindy Gabriel at 713-578-2215 or cindy.gabriel@csd.hctx.net.