Family Gateway seeks $25K CDBG funding to aid Garland families facing homelessness

During the recent Garland City Council meeting, a significant discussion centered around the urgent need for funding to support local families facing homelessness. The president and CEO of Family Gateway, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting families in crisis, presented a compelling case for a $25,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to enhance their services in Garland.

Family Gateway, which has been operational for 40 years, has recently expanded its outreach efforts to include Garland residents. The organization has seen a remarkable increase in the number of families served, growing from just two families in 2021 to 55 in the past year. This surge reflects a broader commitment to not only provide shelter but also to reconnect families with their support networks, which has proven to be a more effective approach to addressing homelessness.

The organization’s innovative strategy involves assessing the needs of families beyond immediate shelter. By engaging with families to identify their previous living situations and support systems, Family Gateway aims to facilitate temporary housing solutions with relatives or friends, while also offering job opportunities and rental assistance. This method, known as diversion, aligns with national best practices and has allowed Family Gateway to significantly increase the number of families they can assist.

The proposed funding would enable Family Gateway to serve an additional 20 to 25 families in Garland, further addressing the pressing issue of homelessness in the community. The council's consideration of this funding request highlights the ongoing efforts to support vulnerable residents and improve the overall well-being of families in the area.

As the city continues to grapple with housing challenges, the collaboration between local organizations like Family Gateway and the city government is crucial in creating sustainable solutions for those in need. The council's decision on the funding request will be a pivotal step in enhancing support for families facing homelessness in Garland.