District F
Press Release
Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas Releases Response to Texas GLO Notification of Plans to Remove Disaster Relief Programs
July 7, 2022 -- Council Member Thomas has released a statement In response to the recent Texas General Land Office notification of its plans to remove disaster relief programs and funding from the City of Houston:
“The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has announced its plan to cut existing programs from the Community Development Block Grants Disaster Recovery contract, which has been put in place to help communities affected by the immense devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Taking these programs from the hands of the City would only be an added devastation to our communities and families who have already suffered so much loss.
Since Hurricane Harvey, it has been an ongoing battle to secure adequate support from the GLO for Houstonians. From funding and disbursement resistance, lack of program access and acceptance for residents, to discriminatory, inequitable practices--the struggle for cooperation from the GLO has been extensive. These barriers have played a leading role in the missed benchmarks and deadlines cited as the basis for retracting our recovery programs. Still, we have been diligent in pushing forward to see that our residents affected by the storm are made whole.
Cutting programs and funding allocated to the City is not the answer. We cannot relinquish the ability to help our own communities, neighbors, and families to those who show no interest in mitigating the damage we’ve endured and assisting in our full recovery.
As Chair of Housing and Community Affairs I will continue work closely with Mayor Turner and Director Bynum of the Housing and Community Development Department to advocate on behalf of our residents. Together, I know we can find solutions to meet the necessary deadlines and benchmarks, avoid extension amendments and restore the city we call home.”
###
Tiffany D. Thomas is the Houston City Council Member for District F, representing Alief, Westchase, Tanglewilde, Briar Meadow, Westmont, and the historic Piney Point. She is the first Black woman and member under 40 to serve in this role. As Chair of Housing and Community Affairs for the City of Houston, she oversees priorities related to Housing, Veteran Affairs, Homelessness, and Solid Waste. Thomas won her seat on City Council in the general runoff election in December 2019 and assumed office on January 2, 2020. She is a proud and long-time resident of District F and student of the public school system.
For media access to the District F Public Safety Townhall, inquiries, or to schedule an interview with Council Member Thomas, please contact Kelly King at 281.682.9503 or kelly.king@houstontx.gov. For general District F inquiries or community concerns, contact the District F at 832.393.3002 or districtf@houstontx.gov.