Pearland Sets Aside More Than $541,000 for Community Help Progra

Pearland Sets Aside More Than $541,000 for Community Help ProgramsPearland City Council approved a plan on August 10 that will bring more than $541,000 in federal money to help low and moderate income Pearlanders. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through its Community Development Block Grant program.The program supports housing, community projects, and local services. Federal rules require that at least 70 percent of the money benefit people or neighborhoods with lower incomes. The city's five-year plan already includes using the funds for emergency rent and utility help, mental health services, home repairs, code enforcement, and other support.City leaders will divide the money into four main areas. About $282,023 will fund the Home Repair Program for small fixes and larger repairs when a homeowner's health or safety is at risk. Roughly $108,314 will cover program administration costs. Another $81,234 will go to the Pearland Neighborhood Center and Counseling Connections for Change for services, while $70,000 will support code enforcement in lower-income areas. Officials expect approval before October 15.The money is meant to make homes safer, improve neighborhoods, and give the community extra support.