Inspiring Innovation story by Taelor Smith
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has affected families across the world in many ways. In Harris County, community groups and organizations have modified programs and developed new ways to serve residents who are struggling financially or emotionally. Residents now have access to quality programs and safe recreational activities to help them cope with the pandemic.
$18 million from federal CARES Act funding for the housing program
CARES ACT AND THE COUNTY When the state and county implemented stay-atapproximately home orders, it affected jobs, schools, families and • Permanent Housing social lives. As a result, Congress passed the CARES Act • Mental Health to provide economic relief for those in need. Programs With the loss of jobs, some families found it challenging to pay bills and feared losing their homes. • Community will receive assistance The CARES Act helped ensure some security for Partnerships for homelessness. families through such organizations as the Coalition • And more for the Homeless. “The Coalition for the Homeless was proud to work with Harris County and the City of Houston to develop the plan for the Community COVID Housing Program,” says the coalition’s communications director, Catherine Villarreal. Villarreal said the assistance would help approximately 5,000 people experiencing homelessness in the next two years. Harris County has allocated $18 million from its federal CARES Act funding for the housing program. Service agencies will use this money to provide permanent housing, diversion from temporary shelters, and mental health case management programs. For instance, short-term rental assistance and services are available through the Rapid Re-Housing program to approximately 1,700 people who may become homeless due to the pandemic. Another program provides temporary shelter for approximately 1,000 chronically homeless people who will be diverted into permanent housing. Additionally, a new diversion program will help approximately 2,000 people maintain or regain housing to avoid entering emergency shelters. Partnerships with groups like the Coalition for the Homeless have ensured a more stable environment that helps in many other areas. “Up until this point, the anti-poverty systems have largely been responding to the immediate needs of people impacted by COVID,” says Villarreal. “We’ve had eviction moratoriums, financial assistance funds set up, etc. When people have access to safe, affordable housing, their mental and physical health improves for a number of reasons. They are no longer exposed to the outdoor elements, their levels of stress are drastically reduced, (and) they are better able to receive regular, preventive health care and access to medication.” The pandemic also exposed a gaping hole in the region’s educational system. While many students have easy access to home computers, laptops, and Wi-Fi, many of their schoolmates do not. CARES Act funding helped area school districts provide resources for thousands of students to continue learning at home through the Digital Access Program. Four school districts within Precinct 4 received personal computer devices and hotspots for students who needed them.
5,000 people
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Precinct4Update Spring/Summer 2021
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