Special to The Dallas Examiner
The City of Dallas’ Office of Community Care has allocated $3.5 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding for emergency short-term rental assistance. OCC conducted extensive outreach to more than 1,100 individuals and organizations before awarding funding to five nonprofit organizations.
“CARES Act funding is an important asset enabling the city to resolve inequities in underserved and underprivileged populations during this unprecedented time,” said Chief of Staff, Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “These grants will reach many vulnerable communities across Dallas to provide relief and meet critical needs.”
Funded organizations include the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, which will administer funding via a collaboration with 12 partners, including: Brother Bill’s Helping Hands, Catholic Charities of Dallas, Chocolate MINT Foundation, CitySquare, Gateway of Grace Ministries, Harmony Community Development Corporation, Housing Crisis Center, Literacy Achieves, Services of Hope, Sharing Life Community Outreach, The Turnaround Agenda and Wilkinson Center.
“We are ecstatic to partner with some very reputable organizations to utilize funding and hope to serve hundreds of families by the end of the year,” OCC Director Jessica Galleshaw said. “Funding will play an integral role in addressing unmet needs and prioritizing assistance to high-need populations.”
Abounding Prosperity Inc. is also among the funded organizations and will administer funding via a collaborative including Dallas Housing Foundation, Dallas Southern Pride, First Step Community Empowerment, Mission Second Chances Veteran Services and the Muhlaysia Booker Foundation. Other funded organizations are The Stewpot of First Presbyterian Church Dallas and Dallas Leadership Foundation. General applications are expected to open in the coming days. Dallas Leadership Foundation, International Rescue Committee and The Stewpot of First Presbyterian Church will accept limited applications on a referral-only basis.
Each organization will work to target specific, high-need populations and communities, which are outlined in their respective applications. Together, these organizations will have a broad reach throughout Dallas and will be able to target many of our city’s underserved communities and most vulnerable populations.