West Houston News

The City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the Homeless recently launched the Community-wide COVID-19 Housing Program.

The $65 million program was designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 by providing housing over the next two years to 5,000 people. The homeless population is often more vulnerable to the virus, according to the Mayor's office.

“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,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “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."

The City of Houston will provide $29 million and Harris County will provide $18 million to the program with significant funding being allocated from the federal CARES Act.

"Homelessness knows no geographical boundaries," Turner said. "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.”