On September 20 2003 all mayors of the province of North Brabant will plant a tree in what will be known as 'Houben Forrest' as a tribute to his work. The Houben forrest is located near Nemelaer Castle in Haaren county in the province of North Brabant. It will contain 70 trees.
Houben attended the Catholic University of Nijmegen and the University of Pittsburgh. He is married with four children.