AUSTIN, TX – August 29, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has awarded $450,000 in grants to two regional community action agencies providing essential emergency supplies to several thousand low income residents in three counties, and helping to restore the quality of life for both individual households and the community.
“We are grateful no lives were lost due to Hurricane Dolly, but many were significantly changed,” said Governor Rick Perry. “Even though the storm has passed, many Texans are still living without the basic necessities. These grants will help our neighbors get back on their feet and begin the process of rebuilding their lives, homes and communities.”
“Our agency saw first hand the terrible damage wrought by Hurricane Dolly, and we know that many residents are still suffering,” said Michael Gerber, TDHCA Executive Director. “TDHCA is pleased to provide these funds which will help these agencies assist more people in need.”
“Cameron and Willacy counties took a direct hit from Hurricane Dolly, and these funds will help us assist many hundreds of area residents who are in great need,” said Amalia Garza, Executive Director of Cameron and Willacy Counties Community Projects. “We appreciate the support we are receiving from the state and for the quick response from TDHCA.”
“Hidalgo County’s low-income residents have been heavily impacted by Hurricane Dolly,” said Maribel Navarro-Saenz, Executive Director of Hidalgo County Community Services Agency. “These funds will go a long way in helping these poorest members of our community recovery, and we appreciate the fast response of the state and TDHCA.”
TDHCA has awarded the following agencies a total of $450,000 in funding through its Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) discretionary funds:
|
Agency |
Funding Amount |
Counties Served |
|
|
Cameron and Willacy Counties Community Projects |
$300,000 |
Cameron, Willacy |
|
|
Hidalgo County Community Services Agency |
$150,000 |
Hidalgo |
Hurricane Dolly struck the lower Texas coast July 23, 2008, knocking out electric power to an estimated 160,000 customers and causing extensive flooding throughout the region. While the recovery effort may continue for many weeks, local officials expressed an immediate need for emergency supplies for those households most affected by the storm.
These community action agencies will use their grant awards to provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, blankets and bedding, medication, household cleaning supplies, items of personal hygiene, and a host of other important goods and services to eligible flood victims. These essentials will help provide immediate relief and restore comfort and some sense of normality to thousands of individuals and families.
The CSBG Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a federal anti-poverty block grant administered in Texas by TDHCA through a network of agencies designated by the Governor as eligible to administer these funds. CSBG funds target households at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which for Texas equals an annual income of $26,500 for a family of four.
About The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is the state agency responsible for affordable housing, community and energy assistance programs, and colonia activities. The Department annually administers funds in excess of $400 million, the majority of which is derived from mortgage revenue bond financing and refinancing, federal grants, and federal tax credits.
Contact:
Gordon Anderson 512.475.4743
Jill McFarren 512.475.2844
