Fort Worth, Texas – The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has taken a significant step to combat homelessness in Tarrant County by awarding the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition (TCHC) a substantial grant of $20.4 million. This funding, part of HUD’s Continuum of Care Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, marks a notable increase from the previous year’s $15.9 million, reflecting the growing urgency to address the homelessness crisis in the region.
A Nationwide Effort to Tackle Homelessness
Across the United States, HUD disbursed $3.16 billion through its Continuum of Care Program in FY 2023, with Texas receiving nearly $162 million of those funds. These grants are aimed at supporting over 7,000 projects nationwide, focusing on housing assistance, services for homeless individuals, and the necessary costs for data collection and planning. The program is designed to fund a wide range of entities, including nonprofit organizations, states, Indian tribes, and local governments, all committed to reducing homelessness.
Among the local recipients of this funding are numerous organizations that play a critical role in Tarrant County’s efforts to support homeless individuals. These include the Arlington Housing Authority, MHMR of Tarrant County, Presbyterian Night Shelter, Fort Worth Housing Solutions, and many others, each contributing to various aspects of homelessness relief, from shelter provision to transformative programs.
Addressing the Surge in Homelessness
Lauren King, TCHC Executive Director, highlighted the challenges facing the county, including a population surge, rising rents, and the termination of pandemic-related housing assistance. “The math just doesn’t add up for many families,” King explained, emphasizing the community’s collective efforts to prevent more people from becoming homeless. The additional funding from HUD is seen as a vital resource to support these ongoing initiatives.
Senator John Cornyn also weighed in on the issue, pointing out the rising homelessness in Texas and the additional burdens placed on individuals due to increasing living costs. He stressed that the federal funding would equip frontline workers with the necessary tools to help Texans secure permanent housing and work towards their long-term objectives.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by recent actions taken by the Fort Worth City Council, which convened a homelessness workshop to assess the city and county’s current situation. In 2023, Fort Worth faced its worst homelessness crisis since 2007, with the beginning of 2024 point-in-time count revealing nearly 2,500 homeless individuals, most of whom reside in Fort Worth.
Despite the grim statistics, there is a glimmer of hope. Between 2021 and 2024, the homeless population in Tarrant County showed signs of decrease, and Fort Worth currently boasts the second-lowest homeless rate among Texas’s major cities. This funding from HUD represents a critical step forward in Tarrant County’s comprehensive approach to tackling homelessness, aiming to make a tangible difference in the lives of its most vulnerable residents.
