Salvation Army asks Brazos County for $35,000 to expand rent and utility assistance

The Salvation Army of Brazos County asked the Commissioners Court for $35,000 to expand its emergency rent and utility assistance program and meet rising demand.

"Your partnership allowed us to respond to urgent needs in our community," Captain Luis Villanueva told the court. Villanueva said the organization received $25,000 from Brazos County last year and is requesting $35,000 for FY26 to assist more households. He said the Salvation Army served more than 2,300 children in Brazos County last year through holiday programs and supported roughly 55 families with county funds during the prior funding period.

Villanueva said the average assistance per household under the program ranged from $450 to $550, and that funds allocated by Brazos County were fully distributed early in the fiscal year because of high demand. The Salvation Army plans to prioritize households facing imminent eviction, families with children and seniors over 55, and will pair short-term assistance with its Pathway of Hope case-management program to pursue long-term stability.

The Salvation Army said it also receives support through fundraising, private donors and city grants; Villanueva noted College Station awarded $25,000 this year and the city of Bryan's contribution was still pending. He told the court that the Salvation Army covers its own staffing and administrative costs with internal funds and fundraising, and that county dollars go directly to client assistance.

Commissioners asked follow-up questions about city contributions and fundraising; there was no formal funding decision at the workshop.