(AUSTIN) — The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs today announced four awards of $100,000 to be used to help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain rental housing, pay security deposits and other reentry activities related to housing. The Reentry Assistance Program will provide funding to new or existing projects assisting individuals with an annual income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

The four awardees are Transcend STEM Education in Coppell, Youth and Family Alliance in Austin, The Salvation Army in Waco, and West Central Texas Regional Foundation in Abilene. Funding is made possible through TDHCA's Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Discretionary Fund, provided annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"TDHCA serves as an essential resource for individuals and families seeking affordable housing," said Bobby Wilkinson, TDHCA executive director. "We look forward to working with our local partners to deliver resources that help individuals overcome the challenges to finding and securing a place to call home."

TDHCA offset aside approximately $1.8 million for CSBG discretionary purposes of which $400,000 is allocated for the Reentry Assistance Program. The program is designed to allow nonprofits and local government organizations to assist previously incarcerated individuals secure housing. TDHCA's Governing Board authorized the launch of the program in July 2023.