Committee reviews multiple contract amendments to fund rental assistance, job training and supportive services

The Houston Housing and Community Development Department presented a group of subrecipient agreements and contract amendments to the Housing and Affordability Committee on items that fund rental assistance, job readiness, early childhood education, and supportive services.

The measures presented included a proposed subrecipient agreement with Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT) for up to $1,276,825 in HOPWA funds to serve at least 149 low-income households living with HIV/AIDS, a $150,000 CDBG amendment for Catholic Charities to expand an employment services program, two Wesley Community Center amendments (one for early childhood/out-of-school programming at $125,000 and one for employment services at $250,000), a $1,500,001 HOPWA agreement with El Centro de Corazon to take over supportive services now provided under Bread of Life, and a $250,000 CDBG second amendment for The Women’s Home to continue services to people exiting homelessness. The department also presented an off-agenda second amendment for Educational Programs Inspiring Communities (HEART) to add $250,000 in CDBG funds for its HEART job training program serving trainees with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Why this matters: the contracts extend and preserve a range of services — from tenant-based rental assistance to vocational training and early childhood supports — that the department says reach residents across a…