Round Rock to Utilize Federal Funds to Support Low-Income Programs

In an effort aimed at providing much-needed support to vulnerable communities, the city of Round Rock, Texas, has recently approved plans to implement programs for affordable housing and other essential public services using federal dollars.

Federal Grant Allocation

Round Rock City Council has given the go-ahead on July 11, 2024, for the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the fiscal year 2024-25. The city received a total of over $642,000 to execute various infrastructure and economic upliftment programs targeted at low- and moderate-income residents.

According to Joe Brehm, the city’s community and neighborhood services director, up to 65% of the grant can be utilized for city projects, with an additional 20% earmarked for grant administration. The remaining 15% is designated for public services.

Beneficiary Programs and Projects

The CDBG funds will be disbursed among the following key initiatives in the financial year 2024-25:

• Greenhill Park playground and shade structure: $240,000
• Community and neighborhood services home repair program: $177,453
• Program administration: $128,446
• Assistance for 850 households with food from the Round Rock Area Serving Center food pantry: $30,000
• Rent or mortgage assistance for 120 residents through the RRASC’s housing assistance program: $30,000
• Support 100 children through Court Appointed Special Advocates : $20,000
• Nutritious meals for 100 seniors through Williamson-Burnet Counties Meals on Wheels program: $16,334

Eligibility for CDBG Funding

CDBG is a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is aimed at ensuring affordable housing and other essential services for financially disadvantaged communities. For a project to be eligible for the CDBG funding, it must comply with one of the following three objectives: Benefit low- to moderate-income persons, prevent slums or blight or meet an urgent need.

Increasing Service Demand

The Round Rock Area Serving Center (RRASC) has seen a surge in service demand over recent years. Rising costs of living, coupled with increasing grocery and transportation expenses, have led to a growing need for assistance among residents. The heightened need led the RRASC to seek additional space to accommodate the center’s clothing and furniture stores. A new 16,000-square-foot facility, costing $7 million, broke ground last September.

Home Repair and Improvement Program

According to Brehm, every home visited as part of the city’s home repair program will undergo a full inspection. This thorough inspection is designed to identify any health or safety aspects that could be improved, thereby ensuring the efficient and effective usage of the allocated funding.

A Word from the Mayor

Mayor Craig Morgan expressed his belief in the efficacy of non-profit organizations in catering to social service needs. He noted the expansion of the Serving Center and Hope Alliance as indicative of the increasing demand, underscoring the need for the city’s continued support for these players.

This report is based on information provided by the HERE News Network.