Hurricane Beryl Assistance

Although Hurricane Harvey may seem like a distant memory to some, there are still people in Houston and surrounding areas who have not been able to return to their homes or still need extensive repair work.

We visited four homes on the outskirts of Houston, in Galena Park, Texas and had a chance to speak with residents who were displaced. Lee shared with us that his home had been in his family for generations and was already in need of some repairs before the storm. After Harvey, he was no longer able to live there and has been staying with friends and family members. He explained that information did not filter through Galena Park as much as it had through Houston, which left many people unaware of resources that may have been available. We were able to help ensure that Lee was connected to the county program that just received additional funding, and he has submitted his application.
Even in Houston, we are receiving calls from community members who are aware that additional funding has been released, but they are confused by some of the language in the application for assistance. We do have a staff member with HUD certifications, and we have been able to help elders in the community go through the application step-by-step.

Aside from individual assistance, we are working with the City of Houston as a Fair Housing Ambassador. Over the next two months, we are planning three events in which the community will be able to share the housing impediments they have been facing. These events will give the community a chance to give direct feedback to the City of Houston and help shape the Fair Housing plan for the next five years.