Department of Housing and Community Affairs Awards Combined Community Action $70,000
Families and residents in Corpus Christi, Killeen, Giddings and Victoria that have been affected by the economic challenges due to COVID-19 have a source of help for homelessness prevention measures. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs announced more than $960,000 has been allocated to the four organizations serving those cities. Funds were made possible through the Emergency Solutions Grants Program as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The nonprofit organizations receiving the funds are as follows:
• Mid-Coast Family Services in Victoria; $689,996
• Families in Crisis in Killeen; $103,000
• Combined Community
Action in Giddings; $70,000
• Hope House, Inc., in Corpus Christi; $100,000
“There’s no denying that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for many Texans,” said Bobby Wilkinson, TDHCA executive director. “TDHCA, along with state leaders and program partners have worked expeditiously to get the CARES Act funds out to those in need, and I believe our efforts can make a difference not only in these particular communities, but throughout the state as we work toward more longterm recovery solutions.”
“Combined Community Action has experienced many disasters since 2011, but nothing like we are experiencing this time due to the pandemic; it is impacting our entire service area,” said Kelly Franke, executive director of Combined Community Action, Inc, in Giddings. With unemployment numbers rising, we’re very thankful and happy to partner with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to provide homeless prevention and rapid re-housing through the ESG Cares Program.”
Combined Community Action, Inc. serves residents living in Austin, Colorado, Fayette and Lee Counties.
TDHCA received approximately $33.2 million in Emergency Solutions Grant Program funds. TDHCA does not provide direct assistance to individuals, but does fund units of general local governments, public housing authorities, local mental health authorities, and nonprofits that in turn assist individuals in their communities.
Individuals needing rental or utility bill assistance, or experiencing homelessness or at risk of being homeless should search TDHCA’s Help for Texans web page for local providers who may be able to help.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is committed to expanding fair housing choices and opportunities for Texans through the administration and funding of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, weatherization and communitybased services with the help of for-profits, nonprofits and local governments.
For more information about fair housing, funding opportunities or services in your area, please visit www.tdhca.state. tx.us or the Learn about Fair Housing in Texas page.