SUBJECT
title
Ratifying a resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application in the amount of $398,000.00 to the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) for the Housing for Texas Heroes Grant Program to provide home modifications for the veteran community within the City of Laredo. There is no match requirement at the time of application.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Level of Alignment
Strong - Directly supports or fulfills a clearly stated and verbatim goal or policy from the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
Supporting Goal(s)/Policy(ies)
Goal 7.1 - Improve the quality and affordability of housing in Laredo
"Support housing rehabilitation, emergency home repairs, and accessibility improvements to enable aging in place."
- Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.17
Policy 7.1.2 - Support programs to maintain or improve existing housing stock
"Support and expand programs for housing rehabilitation, emergency home repairs, weatherization, and energy efficiency upgrades."
- Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.17
Policy 7.1.3 - Support accessible and age-friendly housing options
"Incentivize rehabilitation and home modifications that accommodate persons with disabilities and aging populations."
- Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.17
Summary of alignment:
The proposed resolution aligns strongly with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan’s housing and accessibility goals. By seeking grant funding for home modifications tailored to veterans, the agenda item directly supports Goal 7.1, which emphasizes improving housing quality and affordability, and specifically promotes "accessibility improvements to enable aging in place."
It further supports Policy 7.1.2 and Policy 7.1.3, both of which advocate for home rehabilitation and modifications that serve vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities-a group that veterans with service-related impairments often fall within.
This resolution also touches on broader planning themes including equity, public health, and aging-in-place strategies by enabling Laredo’s veteran community to live safely and independently in their homes.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
N/A
BACKGROUND
The Housing for Texas Heroes Grant Program was established to provide funding for home modification and repairs to improve accessibility and quality of life for veterans and their families. The Community Development-Municipal Housing Division has been awarded the Texas Veterans Commission Housing for Texas Heroes for the 5th consecutive year. In FY2021, the TVC-H4TXH Grant provided assistance to eighteen (18) eligible applicants. In FY2022, the grant provided assistance to sixteen (16) eligible applicants. In FY2023, the MH Division assisted fifteen (15) veteran homeowners, in FY2024 the department assisted (9) nine as this Grant Program continues to be in high demand. In the current year, the department proposes to assist ten (10) veteran homeowners or surviving spouses. The grant will provide up to $35,000.00maximum limit total in home repairs per qualified household. To qualify, homeowner/occupied veteran or surviving spouse household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income, as set annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or be a disabled veteran. Housingmodifications, repairs, and weatherization include door entry/exit resizing, ramps, windows, HVAC, roofing, siding, flooring, electrical, plumbing, handrails, installation of grab bars and /or bathroom modifications.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the approval of this resolution.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: N
Source of Funds: Texas Veterans Commission
Account #:
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no match requirements at the time of application. If awarded, grant will be accounted in the Municipal Housing Fund.