(AUSTIN) — The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has announced a $100,000 funding award to Opportunity Center for the Homeless (OCH), an El Paso-based organization working to enhance employment and education-related skills for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers. The award was part of a $300,000 discretionary fund award under the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program.

OCH will use the award to help eligible individuals in job search skills, interview skills, resume writing, referrals and enrollment in educational and employment programs, and some tuition assistance.

“Helping Texans transition out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency is a critical component of TDHCA’s mission,” noted TDHCA Executive Director Bobby Wilkinson. “Through our CSBG funds, Opportunity Center is able to continue meeting the unique needs of low-income migrant farmworkers, helping individuals successfully obtain a job or assistance in completing vocational training.”

In Program Year 2023, CSBG discretionary funds provided some the following results:

• 450 individuals obtained employment
• 461 individuals received assistance with job search and readiness such as coaching, resume writing, career counseling, and interview skills
• 3 individuals obtained a high school diploma or GED
• 2 individuals worked toward BA degree

The CSBG Program assists households earning no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline, which is an annual income of $62,400 for a family of four. Funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and supports a variety of direct services in addition to helping maintain the core administrative elements of local partner organizations.

For more information about the CSBG Program, CSBG eligible organizations and their designated service area, please visit TDHCA’s Community Affairs CSBG webpage at https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/community-services-block-grant-csbg.

About The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is committed to expanding fair housing choice and opportunities for Texans through the administration and funding of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, weatherization, and community-based services with the help of for-profits, nonprofits, and local governments. For more information about fair housing, funding opportunities, or services in your area, please visit www.tdhca.texas.gov.