CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Note: The attached video aired Tuesday morning before the vote took place.
Homelessness is something many face across the country. In the Lone Star State alone, over 27,000 people are experiencing homelessness right now. It’s not something anyone plans for, but it’s a reality many face in the Coastal Bend.
Today the Corpus Christi City council voted to accept a $100K donation from the Cheniere Foundation to the Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living, a nonprofit that provides services to homeless residents with disabilities.
Mayor Paulette Guajardo and City Council approved the first reading of an Ordinance accepting and appropriating the donation.
“We are thankful to have partners like the City of Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living. Together, we can help address the clear need to assist homeless persons with disabilities in our city,” said Ari Aziz, Vice President and General Manager, Cheniere. “At Cheniere, and through the Cheniere Foundation, we are deeply committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work.”
The Housing & Support for Homeless Individuals with Disabilities Program aims to establish a housing 'bridge model' for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Now that this funding has been approved, that goal is one step closer to becoming reality.
"Today's gift from Cheniere is an important example of how public/private partnerships can word to assist those in need," said Mayor Paulette Guajardo. "Cheniere's gift will assist in providing case management and supportive services for persons with disabilities who are homeless. Thank you to Cheniere for your generous donation."
Earlier Tuesday morning, 3News spoke with the nonprofit and city officials on how this donation would help the folks who need it most.
“It’s a huge need -- homeless population services and support and getting people off the streets” said Marisa Telge Masur, the interim executive director and director of finance for the Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living.
“Part of our way of working with individuals is by meeting with them to determine what goals do you have, what services do you need to get set up with? That can be both housing related, getting services for mental health.”
The city’s Neighborhood Services works with the Center to bridge the gap between homeless residents and resources.
“We have a number of service providers in the community that are already providing those needed services whether it be a shelter environment, whether it be resources or skills assisting them with finding that housing,” said Tracey Cantu, interim director of Neighborhood Services.
With the approval of the $100,000 donation, both are hoping to reach more residents experiencing homelessness -- specifically those with disabilities.
“If we’re specifically targeting this group to assist them because they say they often are not able to find housing that can assist them with their needs or with their services and connecting them to resources, so this is a special gap we are trying to fill,” said Cantu.
Because the donation was approved today the money will go toward creating this new resource within the nonprofit.
“That’s a big need for our location. It’s affordable, accessible housing and we can help bridge that link providing case management services to that vulnerable population,” said Masur.
Now that it has approved there will be a second reading with a possible second donation in the works for next year. We'll keep you updated on when the date for that hearing is announced.
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