Rep. Williams Announces $10.8 Million CARES Act Emergency Solutions Grant for Austin
AUSTIN, TX – Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) today announced a $10,859,249 grant awarded to Austin, Texas by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding, allocated in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, is intended to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance.
"This funding is crucial to protecting our communities and allowing those aided by housing assistance programs to maintain their safety," said Congressman Williams. "While I am encouraged the grant will help with an immediate health need for the homeless population in and around Austin, more work needs to be done to address this longstanding problem that continues to worsen. Texas has already received much-needed aid for housing programs under the CARES Act and I'm pleased to secure even greater funding to protect members of our community in TX-25."
The funds will also support additional homeless assistance and homelessness prevention activities to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. The allocation of $2.96 billion uses a formula targeted toward communities with high fractions of homeless – both sheltered and unsheltered – and those at the most risk for homelessness. It also takes into account economic and housing market conditions by making a modest adjustment for jurisdictions with very high market rents.
Congressman Roger Williams represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas and serves as a member of the House Committee on Financial Services.