Houston city officials are moving forward with plans to allocate approximately $2.5 million in grants to address homelessness, in line with Mayor John Whitmire’s commitment to tackling the crisis. If approved by council members, these funds will support various initiatives aimed at preventing homelessness and providing essential services to those in need.
Targeted Efforts
The proposed funding will assist in preventing domestic violence survivors from becoming homeless and help sustain programs designed to keep at-risk youth housed. Additionally, the city is considering the creation of an “End Street Homelessness Fund,” which would allow grant money from multiple agencies and nonprofits to be pooled together for more effective resource distribution.
Breakdown of Proposed Grants:
- Covenant House Texas ($341,541): Funding for case management, shelter, and essential services for 80 young adults (ages 18-24).
- Search Homeless Services ($376,669): Grant for rapid re-housing case management, helping 100 homeless households secure permanent housing.
- Catholic Charities of Galveston-Houston ($264,705): Additional funding to assist 80 households at risk of homelessness through rapid rehousing.
- Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County ($153,335): Maintaining the city’s Homeless Management Information System.
- Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council ($944,657): Supporting at least 288 households affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.
- The Salvation Army ($334,689): Providing homelessness prevention, diversion programs, and emergency shelter for at least 775 households.
- Harris County Housing and Community Development Department ($143,750): Case management support for 25 households at risk of homelessness.
- End Street Homelessness Fund: A new initiative to centralize and manage funding from various city, county, state, and federal sources.
These agenda items will be presented before the Houston City Council for approval. If passed, the funding will help strengthen local initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations.
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