Gonzalez Announces $8 Billion in HUD Funding for Texas ‘Disadvantaged Communities’

Texas Representative Vicente Gonzalez (R) announced nearly $8 billion in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding will go toward 18 Public Housing Authorities (PHA) across South Texas.

The Capital Fund Program, a HUD program, will provide yearly funding to eligible PHA’s such as construction work, renovation, or “modernization of public housing their respective communities.”

In a statement, Rep. Gonzalez contextualized just how important the $7,942,245 was to the state of Texas.

“In 2023, Texas ranked the 6th worst state in the nation for affordable housing,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “The rising costs of rent and homeownership across our country highlights the important role that public housing plays in supporting disadvantaged communities.”

“Our local public housing authorities in South Texas understand that — which is why they provide safe, clean, and reliable housing needs for our community,” continued Gonzalez.

Accroding the the congressman's statentment, “The over $7.9 million in total funds are part of the Capital Fund Program’s $3.17 billion to 2,756 PHAs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Recently, the Texas representative announced over $26 million in grants for Neighbors in Need of Services, Inc. (NINOS) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The grant will support the Head Start Projects, which are run by NINOS.

“This funding will significantly enhance early childhood education services for South Texas families,” said Rep. Gonzalez. “And it underscores our commitment to ensuring the developmental success of our young children. Families will now directly benefit from enhanced Head Start and Early Head Start services provided by NINOS.”

The Executive Director of NINOS, Inc., David Kowalski, thanked the congressman for his efforts in getting the grants. The grants came from HHS discretionary funding for FY2024, which Gonzalez helped pass.

“We are grateful to Congressman Gonzalez for his continued support. The funding awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services will enable us to continue providing Head Start and Early Head Start services to over 2,000 of the neediest families in Cameron and Willacy Counties,” said Kowalski.

NINOS, Inc. has a long history with the local Texas communities. The organization has been around since August 1990 and has continuously aimed to help children and families. NINOS offers services for “educational programs, nutritional guidance, dental health services, and special services tailored to children from birth through four years of age.”