| Coordinated permanent housing initiative will limit the spread of COVID-19 HOUSTON – The City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the Homeless today announced a joint, $65-million plan to house 5,000 people experiencing homelessness over the next two years to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Community-wide COVID-19 Housing Program (CCHP) represents an unprecedented coordinated effort on the part of the City and the County to address homelessness in the region. Due to underlying health conditions and a lack of access to facilities, people experiencing homelessness are more susceptible to the novel coronavirus and are at higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms. The CCHP will permanently house people who are currently experiencing literal homelessness (e.g., living in shelters, encampments or on the streets) as well as those who may fall into homelessness as a result of the economic effects of the coronavirus. “This program is vital to protect the health of at-risk, homeless individuals, prevent potential communal spread to other populations, and assist those forced into homelessness by COVID-19,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This crisis response program will also have a major long-term impact, permanently housing 5,000 individuals experiencing homelessness and significantly reducing our homeless population to record lows. Homelessness knows no geographical boundaries. I am grateful for the County’s partnership, for this is truly a watershed opportunity that will benefit all who call Houston and Harris County home.” The City of Houston has dedicated $29 million and Harris County has allocated $18 million to this groundbreaking endeavor. The City and County are utilizing a variety of federal funds, including significant funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  “Together, we are making the single largest investment in addressing chronic homelessness in our region’s history,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “Meaningful change happens when we work together to think outside the box, shift paradigms and invest in innovative solutions. This is the beginning of a new approach here in Harris County and it’s going to take continued effort from all of us. I look forward to applying solutions that are compassionate, that work, and that save taxpayer dollars in the long term.” “I made a commitment early in my administration to address the issue of homelessness in Harris County, and for that reason I am grateful to the Coalition for the Homeless, the partner agencies of The Way Home, my fellow members of Commissioners Court who voted in favor of the funding, and the City of Houston for their financial commitment,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who brought the funding request before the county court on June 30, where it was approved unanimously. “Our combined investment will dramatically reduce chronic homelessness in the City of Houston and throughout Harris County, and I am confident it will become a model for others to emulate. Now more than ever, with the current COVID-19 crisis putting so many people’s living situations at an increased risk, having access to stable housing options is vital for the entire community’s health.” “During this unprecedented time, taking care of the most vulnerable among us must be a priority,” said Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “The continuing economic crisis could push even more people who were already struggling before the pandemic deeper into poverty and possibly homelessness. I am proud that this collaboration will help us address this challenge by providing stable housing for 5,000 individuals and families over the next two years. Caring for those most in need makes our entire community healthier and safer.” The Coalition for the Homeless helped to coordinate the planning efforts and will lead the implementation of the CCHP, expected to begin in August. The nonprofit Coalition for the Homeless is the lead agency to the local homeless response system The Way Home. “We are so appreciative that the City and the County have decided to join forces in this effort,” said Mike Nichols, president & CEO of the Coalition. “We will continue to work with them on implementation and to secure the remaining funds. Together with the service providers of The Way Home, we will build a healthier, more resilient community and make tangible progress toward our goal of making homelessness in our region rare, brief, and non-recurring.” The CCHP will include several forms of intervention depending on individuals’ level of need, including the following: Diversion: A program to help approximately 2,000 people maintain or regain housing so that they do not have to enter emergency shelter. Assistance may be financial (i.e., up to three months’ rent) or may include family mediation or creative problem-solving.Rapid rehousing: Short-term (up to 12 months’) rental assistance and light services for those who do not require intensive case management, for approximately 1,700 newly homeless people.A “bridge” to permanent supportive housing (PSH): Housing for approximately 1,000 people currently experiencing chronic homelessness — including those living unsheltered and/or in encampments — while they await a PSH unit. The CCHP also involves expanding homeless outreach to those living unsheltered outside of Houston’s urban core; mental health case management for high-risk individuals; and additional support for emergency shelters, including those for survivors of domestic violence, to help them implement CDC health and safety recommendations. This ambitious program will also require private philanthropic support in strategic areas where public funding cannot be used and that will keep people successful in housing over the long term. Local property managers will also have a key role to play in solving homelessness. The 2020 Point-in-Time Homeless Count & Survey, the results of which the Coalition released June 23, found approximately 3,700 people experiencing literal homelessness in Harris County, including approximately 2,200 sheltered and 1,500 unsheltered. The night of record for the 2020 Homeless Count was January 27, 2020; the Count represents the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single day in the region. It is not known how many people in the region will fall into homelessness as a result of the coronavirus. The CCHP proposes to quickly and permanently house as many people as possible, as soon as possible, so that the local homeless response system will be prepared to meet the needs of the newly homeless in the coming months. |
City of Houston, Harris County and Coalition for the Homeless Announce Joint $65M Plan to House 5,000 People Experiencing Homelessness
Publicación 1171 – Revista Digital 2 de julio – 8 de julio / 2020
Gracias por visitarnos, este artículo contiene la revista digital de ¡Que Onda Magazine! de fecha 2 de julio hasta el 8 de julio del 2020.
Precinct One Continues to Advocate for Housing for all Harris County Residents
Commissioners Court approves $15 million Emergency Rental Assistance Program to serve low-income residents in Harris County
HOUSTON, TX – Since the moratorium on evictions was lifted in May, almost 3,000 eviction cases have been filed in Harris County. In order to address the urgent eviction crisis in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a $15 million Emergency Rental Assistance Program to serve low-income residents in Harris County.
Researchers estimate that, were it not for the federal relief in this pandemic, the poverty rate would increase from 12.8% to 16.3% this year. Local governments, including Harris County, have continued to provide support where others can’t or won’t.
“We are facing an unprecedented public health and economic crisis. Harris County has been able to provide some direct relief, but it is apparent that there is still a great need for assistance to keep people in their homes and able to afford basic needs,” said Commissioner Ellis. “I am hoping my colleagues will join me to keep supporting financial assistance programs that will go directly to the people who need it most.”
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide a one-time payment of $1,000 per household across all Harris County precincts to be used for rent and fee payments directly to landlords.
The Harris County Commissioners Court also unanimously voted in support of the COVID-19 Permanent Housing Initiative, which will bring together local organizations to house 5,000 people over two years. The Initiative will be funded by Harris County, the City of Houston and private philanthropy.
“Our local governments are taking a big and bold step to prevent people from becoming homeless and to get people off the streets during this pandemic. I am proud to support this collaborative effort and grateful to Coalition for the Homeless, The Way Home Coalition and all of their partners for their vision and coordinated response to this urgent need,” said Commissioner Ellis. “Housing is always important and more crucial than ever during this public health crisis.”
Harris County Announces $30 Million Grant Program to Assist Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
County Judge Lina Hidalgo and each of the Harris County commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Small Business Recovery Fund (SBRF) program, a $30 million grant program established to assist struggling small businesses who have been unable to obtain financial assistance from other COVID-19 relief programs. The program will provide eligible businesses a grant of up to $25,000 to help cover payroll costs, rent, accounts payable and other operating expenses. The SBRF targets businesses with 30 or fewer employees and is designed to assist the most vulnerable Harris County small- and micro-enterprises impacted by the pandemic with mounting financial burdens.
“The impact of this crisis on small businesses has been devastating. We can’t afford to lose a source of jobs, innovation and the enterprising spirit our region is known for,” Judge Hidalgo said. “These grants will help business owners stay afloat as Harris County continues to fight the COVID-19 crisis.”
The Program will launch at 8 a.m. July 13 and will remain open for 10 days through July 22. More information regarding eligibility requirements, how to access the application online and over the phone, and what residents will need to prepare for the application will be released in
“As the overwhelming demand for the forgivable loan program that I championed shows far too many of our small businesses are struggling in a big way right now. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and have historically lifted up our community,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “As we face some of the most difficult challenges in a generation, it’s time for county government to continue our support of local small businesses. I thank my fellow commissioners for voting in favor of the $30 million fund, and I have confidence that HBDI will do an excellent job with the expedient and efficient administration of these funds. Small businesses truly are the backbone of our economy, and this program shows that we have their backs!”
Earlier in March, Harris County provided $10 million under a small business relief program (LEAP), which was able to provide assistance to approximately 400 small businesses. With nearly 500,000 businesses in Harris County, the SBRF represents an effort to provide additional funding to a broader range of businesses suffering from the devastating impact of the novel coronavirus. Priority will be given to applicants that have not received prior assistance from the federally funded PPP Loan Program or other COVID-19 small business relief programs, including the Harris County LEAP program.
“The effects of COVID-19 on our friends and neighbors throughout Harris County are immense and widespread – on our health, our families, our medical community and our economy,” said Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle. “Harris County’s response to this pandemic must recognize the need to address all these issues. With federal funding from the CARES Act, the Small Business Relief Fund is designed to help alleviate some of the stresses on small businesses throughout Harris County. I encourage those eligible to take advantage of this program.”
A local Community Development Financial Institution, Houston Business Development Inc., which specializes in administering government funded small business lending programs, will work closely with the county in launching and administering the SBRF program.
“Helping small businesses survive the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic directly helps the working men and women employed by those small businesses,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “The need in our region is immense, but we will support as many of our vulnerable businesses as possible, fairly and transparently, so that the thousands of families who rely on small businesses continue to have the ability to pay their rent, feed their families, and make ends meet.”
Those in need of immediate assistance are encouraged to call 211 Texas/United Way helpline to find an organization in their geographic region to serve them.
Office Of The Governor, MLB Hall-Of-Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez Release New COVID-19 PSA In English, Spanish
| AUSTIN – The Office Of The Governor and Major League Baseball Hall-Of-Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez today issued a new public service announcement (PSA) on the importance of wearing a mask to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In the PSA, Rodríguez urges Texans to wear a mask in public to protect themselves and others from the virus. The new PSA is available on YouTube in both English and Spanish and can be downloaded at this link. ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PSA TRANSCRIPT “This is Iván Pudge Rodríguez here and as you know, my whole entire career I’ve been using this mask. Now I wanted to ask you to wear your mask to keep our businesses safe for you. So please, if you keep your mask on, we’re going to keep our businesses open for you. Take care of yourself, God bless you, and stay safe.” SPANISH-LANGUAGE PSA TRANSCRIPT “Saludos a todos, les habla Iván Rodríguez. Por toda mi carrera, yo le doy gracias a Dios que yo pude usar esta mascara para jugar todos los años en grandes ligas y ahora es el momento para que ustedes usen la de ustedes; y ahora que el béisbol regresa, es importante que hagamos esto para mantener nuestros negocios abiertos para ustedes. Que Dios los bendiga y saludos.” |
La Orden de Salud y Seguridad de Negocios del Condado Harris para Negocios se Extenderá hasta al el 26 de agosto
La jueza del Condado Harris, Lina Hidalgo, enmendará una orden existente que exige que todas las empresas en el Condado Harris desarrollen y publiquen una política de salud y seguridad para empleados y clientes, que como mínimo incluye un requisito de cubierta facial. Como parte del pedido, todas las personas mayores de 10 años deben cubrirse la cara mientras están en negocios o en propiedades comerciales, incluidos los empleados, visitantes y clientes.
- La orden se ha extendido hasta las 11:59 p.m. del miércoles 26 de agosto de 2020.
- Una muestra de dicha política de salud y seguridad está disponible aquí: https://www.readyharris.org/county-orders
- El texto completo de la extensión está disponible aquí: https://www.readyharris.org/Stay-Safe
Entendiendo el Edicto
- Las empresas deben desarrollar un plan de salud y seguridad para empleados y clientes para protegerlos de COVID-19. Como mínimo, este plan debe incluir que todos los empleados, clientes y visitantes (mayores de 10 años) que ingresen a negocios o propiedades comerciales deben usar una cubierta facial o cubrebocas.
- Las empresas deben publicar e informar a los clientes / visitantes que estén obligados a cubrirse la cara mientras se encuentren en las instalaciones.
- Las empresas se reservan el derecho de rechazar el servicio a aquellos que no usen una mascarilla para la cara, con excepciones para aquellos que no pueden usar una por razones médicas (ver excepciones a continuación).
- Las empresas que no cumplan con esta orden podrían enfrentar una multa (ver cumplimiento más abajo).
- Las cubiertas faciales pueden ser un cubrebocas casero, una pañoleta, un pañuelo o bufanda siempre y cuando cubran la nariz y boca.
Excepciones a las coberturas faciales obligatorias
- Debe usar una cubierta facial en todo momento mientras se encuentre en negocios o en propiedades comerciales, excepto:
- Al comer o beber;
- Las cubiertas faciales se deben usar en los restaurantes, pero se pueden quitar mientras se come / bebe.
- Cuando hace ejercicio o realiza actividades físicas; o,
- Cuando el uso de una cubierta facial representa un riesgo mental, físico, de seguridad o protección (es decir, alguien que tiene problemas para respirar).
Elección y uso de una cubierta facial
El Condado de Harris no puede proporcionar cubiertas faciales a los residentes. Alentamos a los residentes comprar o hacer cubrebocas para su uso.
Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) tienen orientación sobre cómo usar adecuadamente las cubiertas faciales y cómo hacer sus propias cubiertas faciales: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/ cloth-face-cover.htmlContinuar con buenos hábitos de salud
El uso de una cubierta facial no es un sustituto del distanciamiento social de 6 pies y el lavado de manos, ya que estos siguen siendo pasos importantes para frenar la propagación del virus.
Ejecutando el Decreto
Las empresas que no requieran que los clientes / visitantes / empleados usen cubiertas faciales p bajo esta el EDICTO pueden enfrentar una multa de hasta $ 1,000 por violación.
Para denunciar negocios que comentan alguna violación de la Orden de Salud y Seguridad del Condado la cual requiere el uso de cubierta facial, visite esta página o llame al 832-839-6941
Harris County Business Health and Safety Order for Businesses will be extended until at least 8/26/20
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will amend an existing order mandating that all businesses in Harris County develop and post a health and safety policy for employees and customers, which at a minimum includes a face covering requirement. As part of the order, everyone over the age of 10 must wear a face covering while in businesses or on commercial properties, including employees and all visitors and customers.
- The order has been extended until at least 11:59 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.
- A sample health and safety policy is available here: https://www.readyharris.org/county-orders
- Full text of the order will be made available here: https://www.readyharris.org/Stay-Safe
Understanding the Order
- Businesses must develop a health and safety plan for employees and customers to protect them from COVID-19. At a minimum, this plan must include that all employees, customers and visitors (over the age of 10) that enter businesses or commercial properties must wear a face covering.
- Businesses must post and inform customers/visitors that they are required to wear a face covering while on the premises.
- Businesses reserve the right to refuse service to those not wearing a face covering with exceptions for those who cannot wear one for medical reasons (see exceptions below).
- Businesses who do not comply with this order could face a fine (see enforcement below).
- Face coverings may be a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief, as long as it covers the nose and mouth.
Exceptions to Face Covering Order
- You must wear a face covering at all times while in businesses or on commercial property, except:
- When eating or drinking;
- Face coverings should be worn to restaurants, but can be removed while eating/drinking.
- When you are exercising or doing physical activities; or,
- When wearing a face covering poses a mental, physical, safety or security risk (i.e. someone who has trouble breathing).
Choosing and Wearing a Face Covering
Harris County cannot provide face coverings to residents. We encourage residents to purchase or make a face covering to wear.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidance on how to properly wear face coverings and how to make your own face coverings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
Continue Good Health Habits
Wearing a face covering is not a substitute for maintaining 6-feet social distancing and hand washing because these remain important steps to slowing the spread of the virus.
Enforcement
Businesses who do not require customers/visitors/employees to wear face coverings under this Order can face a fine of up to $1,000 per violation.
To report businesses in violation of the County Health and Safety Order, which requires face coverings, click here or call 832-839-6941.
County Attorney’s Office prepared for first day of early voting
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan announced today that his office is prepared to ensure the safety and security of the July 14th primary runoff election as early voting begins today.
“For each election, our office works with the County Clerk and other agencies to make sure all voters are able to cast their ballots, whether in-person or by mail, without intimidation, coercion or fraud,” said County Attorney Ryan. “This is also the first election since the COVID-19 pandemic began, so the County had the added responsibility of keeping voters and poll workers safe at polling locations.”
The July 14th runoff election will decide races in the Democratic and Republican primaries. Early voting will take place from today, June 29, through Thursday, July 2, and then picks up after the holiday from Sunday, July 5, through Friday, July 10. There are 57 early voting locations in Harris County and hours have been extended. Voters can cast ballots at any location. (For more information, visit www.harrisvotes.com.)
Additional safety precautions will be taken for in-person voting due to COVID-19. Poll workers will wear protective equipment, plexiglass shields will be in place at check-in locations, voting machines will be cleaned and voters will be given coverings for their finger so they don’t have to touch the machines. Voters will be encouraged social distance and to wear masks; they will be given a mask if they don’t have one.
It is the responsibility of the Harris County Attorney to ensure that people are not coerced or intimidated into voting for certain candidates and that those who are legitimate voters have the ability to cast their ballot. During each election, the County Attorney’s Office fields questions from the public about the required identification documents or the appropriate ballot for their precinct or complaints about intimidation by poll watchers. Attorneys and investigators from the Office will be dispatched to a location where a voter has an issue and check it out.
Any questions or complaints can be directed by voters to the Election Hotline at 713-755-6965 or to Special Assistant County Attorney Douglas Ray at 281-935-1904 or email him at douglas.ray@cao.hctx.net.
More people are expected to vote by mail this year due to concerns about COVID-19. Texas allows citizens to request an absentee ballot if they are over the age of 65, will be out of the county during voting, in jail but otherwise eligible to vote or have a disability, defined as a “sickness or physical condition” that prevents a citizen from voting in person without the risk of “injuring the voter’s health.” (Disability can also include pregnancy.)
The issue of whether concern about contracting the virus counts as a “disability” has been the subject of several court decisions. Special Assistant County Attorney Ray explains that the Texas Supreme Court ruled that state law says it is up to the voter: “Elected officials have placed in the hands of the voter the determination of whether in-person voting will cause the likelihood of injury due to a physical condition.” Ray says the Supreme Court also made it clear that election officials have neither the ability nor responsibility to investigate why someone requests a mail ballot due to “disability.”
Vote by mail ballot applications have been sent to all voters 65+ years of age in Harris County who did not already have an annual ballot request on file. Ballots must be postmarked by July 14th and received no later than 5 p.m. on the 15th. In addition, voters may bring their mail ballot to the Harris County Clerk’s office at 1001 Preston, Suite 440, on Election Day before 7 p.m. with appropriate ID.
“The world has changed due to COVID-19 but our democracy must move forward with our elections,” said County Attorney Ryan. “Our constitutional right to vote for our elected officials will not be stopped by a virus. My Office stands ready to help ensure a fair election July 14th and beyond.”
Early Voting for the 2020 Primary Runoff Elections Starts on Monday
| Safety Measures Will be Taken at all Polling Locations |
| (Houston, TX) –– Early voting for the July 14 Primary Runoff Elections begins Monday, June 29, and ends Friday, July 10. A total of 57 polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, with the following exceptions: Polls will be closed July 3 and 4 to observe the Fourth of July Holiday;On Sunday, July 5, polls are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.On the last day of Early Voting, Friday, July 10, polls will be open for extended hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to accommodate voters who wish to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day, July 14. “Our office is doing all it can to ensure that polling locations are run safely and efficiently,” said Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins. “All locations will observe social distancing, provide personal protective equipment for poll workers and all voters who need it, and ensure consistent sanitization of voting machines.” The Harris County Clerk’s Office has been working with health officials to understand what can be done to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, but voters should also take safety measures. Click here for “Safety While Voting” tips and information. “We encourage registered voters to apply for a ballot by mail if you are eligible. If you want to vote in person, we urge you to vote early at less crowded locations to minimize contact with other voters,” added Hollins. “You can also help by downloading your sample ballot at home and making your selections before you arrive at the polls. You can take your sample ballot with you and cut down the time you spend in the voting booth.” Please note that if you voted in the March primary, you can only vote in the same party’s runoff. Individual sample ballots for both parties and a list of early voting locations is available at HarrisVotes.com. The deadline to request a ballot by mail for the Primary Runoff Elections is Thursday, July 2 (received, not postmarked). Stay up to date on important information by following @HarrisVotes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. |
HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND SEES RECORD NUMBER OF APPLICANTS IN SECOND PHASE OF FUNDING
Applicants to be notified of selection and community-based
organization match by June 30
HOUSTON, TX (June 25, 2020) – This week, the Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund opened its application for aid to the public as part of its second phase of funding. The application, which was available online and over the phone, was inundated by tens of thousands of Harris County residents seeking assistance from the fund.
The total number of applications is currently being processed to de-duplicate submissions for those who might have submitted multiple applications. However, over the span of two days, the fund:
· Hosted 1,898,555 sessions on its website (including visitors who visited the website multiple times)
o 178,562 of the sessions were conducted in Spanish
o 2,474 of the sessions were conducted in Vietnamese
o 1,973 of the sessions were conducted in Chinese
· Assisted 24,136 people over the phone
o 8,103 call sessions in Spanish
o 16,033 call sessions in English
“The staggering number of applications we received only goes to show the immense magnitude of need across Harris County,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “It is clear that people are hurting, so we’re moving as quickly as possible to get these funds out the door.”
To ensure a fair process for all who applied, all applications will be put into a drawing and randomly selected. To reach those most vulnerable in the community, applicants from vulnerable census tracts, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Vulnerability Index, will be prioritized to receive assistance, with those in the most vulnerable areas receiving up to a 50% increased chance of being selected. Those selected through the randomized process will be matched with a community-based organization that will then reach out within five business days to continue the application process.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the fund’s systems will need additional time to process, select, and match applicants with the appropriate community-based organization. Originally forecasted to be Friday, June 26, applicants will now be informed of their application status on Tuesday, June 30.
“We understand that urgency is critical as the need is great, and we’re committed to deploying this aid fairly and as quickly as possible so that it reaches those who need it most, “ said Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “As we’ve said from the very beginning, we won’t be able to help everyone but I’m proud that Harris County is trying to step up where others can’t or won’t.”
The 44 grantee community-based organizations, who received the fund’s first phase of funding on June 12, continue to serve individuals and families with whom they were already engaged with. As of today, a total of 2,381 households in Harris County have been served, or are in the process of being served.
“The massive number of applications received shows how many of our neighbors are struggling and need immediate help. This pandemic has devastated our national, state, and local economies, and we know the fund will not be sufficient to satisfy the full demand,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “However, we are committed to working day and night to help as many people and businesses as possible. Additionally, I commend the Greater Houston Community Foundation for their remarkable job in administrating this program.”
To help these organizations focus on helping those they are already working to serve, the full list of community-based organizations will be shared with the public on Monday, June 29. The fund will continue to share updates about its first and second phases of funding on its website, www.harriscountyrelief.org.
Those who are still looking for assistance are encouraged to call 211 Texas/United Way helpline to find an organization in their geographic region. Individuals can also visit www.readyharris.org and www.harriscountyrelief.org/resources for more information and other options for available aid.