Congressman Cuellar encourages the local entities to promptly take the steps necessary to secure these funds. Photo By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Funding for Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Shelter Grant, and HOME Investment Partnerships Grant
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that Hidalgo County will receive $10,314,070 combined from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for low-income housing programs and community development. Monies will be designated for three major grant programs targeting low-income housing including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), and the HOME Investment Partnerships Grant. This funding was awarded by the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) to Hidalgo County.
Hidalgo County is a designated “Urban County” by HUD. This designation allows the County to receive funding based on a formula that measures population, poverty levels and quality of housing stock. HUD allocates funds at the local level annually. Each community is then responsible for devising a plan to utilize the funds. Hidalgo County administers these funds for the 17 participating cities in its jurisdiction including Alamo, Alton, Edcouch, Elsa, Granjeno, Hidalgo, La Joya, La Villa, Mercedes, Palmhurst, Palmview, Penitas, Progreso, Progreso Lakes, San Juan, Sullivan City, Weslaco and the four County Precincts.
Community Development Block Grant
Of the total monies available, Hidalgo County has been allotted a $7,561,596 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). These funds could be used to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and expanding economic opportunities, particularly for low-income citizens. In particular, it could help to provide services to the most vulnerable residents in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses.
Emergency Shelter Grant
An additional $643,979 is available for an Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) to provide homeless individuals with basic shelter and essential supportive services. The funding is intended to assist individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. HUD will award these funds once the county and respective cities have developed a federally approved spending plan for their use.
HOME Investment Partnerships Grant
Hidalgo County also has the possibility to receive a $2,108,495 HOME Investment Partnerships Grant, designed to create affordable housing for low-income households. The HOME program helps to fund a wide range of housing improvements and expanded access including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people.
Congressman Cuellar encourages the local entities to promptly take the steps necessary to secure these funds.
“Seizing the opportunity to utilize federal funding to help address local problems will contribute to the economic growth and development of our communities,” said Congressman Cuellar. “It is important that the residents of Hidalgo County benefit from all that the federal government can provide. That is why I fought to secure these essential funds in the Appropriations Committee, so that low-income families receive resources to obtain decent housing and economic opportunities.”
Congressman Cuellar continued, “I would like to thank Congressmen Filemon Vela and Vicente Gonzalez for their assistance. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that the community is aware of all of the opportunities available and how to go about acquiring them.”
