Longview approves federal housing money for the Salvation Army, Habitat and the Women’s Center

The Longview City Council on Thursday approved grant agreements with three local nonprofits that help people find or keep a place to live, KLTV reported. The money comes from federal HOME, HOME-ARP and Community Development Block Grant programs, according to the meeting agenda.

Where the money goes

• The Salvation Army: $916,313.70 in HOME-ARP funds for what the agenda calls non-congregate shelter. KLTV reported the grant will turn the women’s dorms into transitional housing. Capt. Tamara Robb said it will also pay for renovations and will house 28 more families, or 84 families over three years. The agenda says the money must be spent by 2030.
• Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity: $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant money for critical repairs to homes owned by people earning 80% or less of the area median income. Another $140,000 in HOME funds will help build new homes.
• Women’s Center of East Texas: $53,086.30 in block grant money for parking lot work, safety fencing and an electric security gate.

What the groups are seeing

Robb told KLTV the Salvation Army runs a 58-bed shelter for men, women and children. She said more people need it, and more people are using its food pantry.

Habitat for Humanity CEO LaJuan Gordon said the housing crunch is hitting seniors hardest. Many are on fixed incomes and live in homes they can no longer keep up, Gordon told the station. “If it gets to certain points, the homes can become unlivable,” Gordon said. The repair money is meant to keep families in those homes.

KLTV put the total at about $1.24 million. The amounts listed in the agenda add up to about $1.31 million.