FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- Congresswoman Kay Granger, top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will award Tarrant County $8.7 million from HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grant Program, with $6 million going specifically to Fort Worth.
The funds will support local efforts in coronavirus prevention and response among individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Lauren King Interim Director of the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition said the emergency solutions grant means housing opportunities. “The funding is very flexible,” said King. “Funds can cover anything from homeless prevention which keeps people from getting evicted, rehousing programs and help pay for operating costs, enhanced cleaning and supplies needed for emergency shelters during COVID-19,” she said.
These funds come directly from the ‘Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act,’ the third coronavirus relief package that President Trump signed into law on March 27. “We have been working together to look at our system and see where there are needs and gaps and how we can match these resources to these needs to get people into housing as quickly as we can,” said King.
Congresswoman Granger said while Coronavirus cases have been declining in Tarrant County, many low-income individuals and families are still experiencing hardship and increased risk of homelessness.
“I’m pleased to announce that HUD’s grant of $8.7 million to Tarrant County and Fort Worth will provide our local officials and homeless service providers the added resources they need to keep some of our most at-risk populations healthy and safe during these trying times. HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grant Program, which targets local communities with high rates of homeless and those most at-risk for homelessness will allow our agencies and officials to be particularly effective in assisting the homeless population. As the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working with President Trump, Governor Abbott, and local leaders to ensure that future coronavirus relief packages continue prioritizing our neighbors in need,” said Granger.