Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs - Building Homes and Strengthening Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2017

Media Contact:
Kristina Tirloni 512-475-4743
Public Inquiries: Aracely Lazcano (915)577-0069
 

KEY POINTS

  • Opportunity Center for the Homeless awarded $100K
  • Educational and career opportunities address market needs
  • Improving employability leads to household permanence

State housing agency awards $100K to local organization providing services to migrant farm workers

(AUSTIN) – The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has awarded $100,000 to the Opportunity Center for the Homeless to provide supportive services to migrant and seasonal farm workers.

TDHCA made the award through its Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program targeting specific education and career tract opportunities for migrant farm workers and their families, as well as helping meet the administrative expenses of the association.

“Helping Texans achieve self-sufficiency is the first priority of the CSBG Program and a critical component of the Department’s mission,” said TDHCA Executive Director Tim Irvine. “Through the programs offered by the Center, these families will be better equipped to participate in today’s growing job markets and learn budgeting skills, which in turn gives them access to better and more stable housing options.”

Advances and improvements in farming mechanizations have caused recent declines in employability for many migrant and seasonal farm workers. With guidance toward attaining additional job readiness skills, Opportunity Center for the Homeless looks to improve the long-term financial and household stability for farm workers and families.

“This grant will make available to the farm workers and their families the skills necessary to access educational and employment opportunities likely to provide stable, year-round sustainability in agricultural and non-agricultural occupations,” said Carlos Marentes, the Farm Workers Center Program Director.

The Farm Workers Center provides support and assistance to the farm workers community in El Paso County regarding emergency shelter and food assistance, permanent housing, educational opportunities, job trainings, health and medical services, among many others. This grant specifically focuses on reaching out to over 270 agricultural workers and their families getting support services at the center.

For more information about the CSBG Program, local CSBG service providers and their designated service areas, please visit the Department’s Web site at www.tdhca.state.tx.us.

 

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.state.tx.us or the Learn about Fair Housing in Texas page. 

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