In a 3-2 vote at a special meeting, the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court passed a budget for how to spend $134.3 million in federal funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 

TMO-Fort Bend clergy and judicatory leaders from Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran and Islamic congregations testified at multiple hearings, including Rev. John Strader of Heritage Baptist Church who called on the county "consider its faith leaders and organizations as a resource to help....[we'll] help with seeing the true issues of our county to be addressed by the CARES Act funds."  As a result, 6,500 Fort Bend families will receive $1,500/mo for rent, utility and food assistance.

"Rev. David Lee Sincere Jr. with Fort Bend Transformation Church, Advocacy Now Institute and The Metropolitan Organization was one of several county residents and officials who spoke at Commissioners Court about the need for rental, mortgage and utility assistance. He said he has received a number of phone calls, emails and stories from residents who require help."

Leaders are also calling on the county to "enact a countywide rent moratorium that would help those directly affected by...this emergency.”

[Photo Credit: Screenshot via Fort Bend County]

City Mayors, Economic Development President, Fort Bend ISD Divided Over Division Of Federal COVID-19 Fund, Houston Chronicle [pdf]

Fort Bend County OKs Budget For Distributing $134M CARES Act Funds, Community Impact [pdf]

George Joins Others In Asking State To Extend Eviction Moratorium, Fort Bend Herald [pdf]

Fort Bend County Announces List Of CARES Act Funds Distribution Advisory Committee Members, Community Impact [pdf]

Fort Bend County To Host Workshop On Distributing $134M In CARES Act Funds, Community Impact [pdf]

Fort Bend County Launches $19.5M Rental Assistance Program June 1, Community Impact[pdf]