Williamson County Secures Funds to Battle Homelessness

Austin, Texas

Williamson County Commissioners Court has pulled together in a unanimous decision to accept funds dedicated to a grant program. This program is primarily aimed at lending a helping hand to community members grappling with homelessness. The significant inflow of funds comes from a grant program courtesy of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Emergency Solutions Grants Program

The grant, known as the ‘Emergency Solutions Grants Program’, has gifted Williamson County with $162,125. The county records indicate that this sum will be funneled into a five-part program designed to aid homeless individuals.

In order to secure the grant, the recipients are expected to match the grant money with equal contributions. These contributions can take different forms, including financial donations, donated buildings and materials, or services volunteered by the residents. There are five key components to the Emergency Solutions Grants Program:

• Engagement of homeless individuals and families living on the street.
• Improvement of the number and the quality of existing emergency shelters.
• Assisting in the operation of these shelters.
• Providing essential services to residents of the shelters.
• Offering rapid rehousing assistance.

Subrecipient of the Fund

The Community Development Administrator of Williamson County, Sally Bardwell, shared during the presentation that Bluebonnet Trails Community Services will act as a subrecipient of the funds. The organization is expected to report back to the county on the usage of these funds.

Community Support and Testimonials

Commissioner Cynthia Long showed enthusiasm towards the letter of grant as a way to strengthen the affiliation between the county and Bluebonnet Trails Community Services. Since Bluebonnet Trails already operates in this domain, Long believes the grant implementation will ease the process of starting from scratch.

Commissioner Terry Cook and Judge Bill Gravell of Williamson County spotlighted how the grant would be instrumental in addressing struggling residents. Cook mentioned that the call for help is coming from unexpected quarters of society. It’s not only the elderly or the disabled in need but also individuals in their 30s and 40s are looking for housing and assistance.

Gravell addressed the housing issue as a consequence of inflationary increments, stating that many individuals are finding it tough to keep up and expressed gratitude for this funding opportunity.

Future Plans

These funds are set to be incorporated into the Community Development Block Grant Five-Year Consolidated Plan, which is currently being put together by the county representatives. Additional funds, totalling $2.12 million, were awarded to the county by HUD for the fiscal year 2023-24. During the meeting held on June 25, a list of projects each with partnered organizations tasked to carry them out, was approved by Williamson County Commissioners unanimously.

Some of the mentioned projects were Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County Home Repair Program, and the Hill Country Community Ministries Social Service Rental and Utility Assistance program.

In an unexpected turn, the county didn’t accept an additional $594,780 in funding offered by HUD’s Home Investment Partnerships Program. This rejected funding was designated to provide affordable housing options for low-income residents. Commissioner Long stated that the county conducted a discussion with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services representatives. Based on this dialogue, the county decided to opt out of the HOME program.