Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has awarded nearly $5 million in grants to nine vital organizations committed to improving the lives of local residents through essential services like housing assistance, food security, employment training, violence prevention, and financial education.

Among the selected agencies are the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL), which are well-known for their ongoing efforts to uplift underserved communities. The funding comes from the county’s Community Facilities and Infrastructure Fund, a $20 million initiative designed to support projects across the county’s four precincts.

“Government alone cannot solve every challenge that our residents face,” said Commissioner Ellis. “But the beauty of Harris County is that we don’t have to do it alone. We are fortunate to have dedicated organizations that stand in the gap – organizations that show up in the hardest of times, offering shelter to survivors of violence, meals to families who are hungry, and pathways to opportunity for young people and adults alike.”

The grant recipients and their projects include:

  • Buffalo Soldiers National Museum – Awarded $750,000 to expand its facility, creating additional space for behavioral health services, food distribution, and a cooling center for residents in need.
  • Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) – Received $500,000 to enhance its Housing Preservation Center, offering expanded services such as rental counseling, financial education, and homeownership support to local families.
  • Bread Of Life – Granted $500,000 to scale up its food distribution program while also providing educational and career opportunities in fields like healthcare, broadcasting, and welding.
  • Houston Area Women’s Center – Received $500,000 to renovate its Crisis Response Center, enabling it to increase capacity and serve 900 individuals annually.
  • Houston Minority Supplier Development Council – Awarded $237,350 to strengthen its existing operations and expand services for Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs).
  • Magnificat Houses – Granted $250,000 for renovations to its Guest Advancement Center, which will offer job training, computer access, and workshops to help individuals on their path toward stability.
  • Tony’s Place – Awarded $500,000 to increase the availability of drop-in services for LGBTQ+ youth, providing a safe and supportive environment.
  • Houston Land Bank – Received $645,121 to support the development of affordable homes, offering struggling families the chance to become long-term homeowners.
  • SEARCH Homeless Services – Awarded $699,433 to complete construction on its new facility, which will serve up to 4,000 unhoused individuals each year.

“Each of these organizations represents the very best of Harris County,” said Commissioner Ellis. “I’m so proud to empower them with these funds that will go directly to the front lines, serving families, empowering individuals, and lifting up entire communities.”