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 Pleasanton, TX—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $44,673 in federal funds to Housing Authorities in Atascosa County, which will help support low-income Americans residing in public housing.  Specifically, the Pleasanton Housing Authority will receive $24,705 and Poteet Housing Authority will receive $19,968. These funds, awarded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will be used to prepare, prevent and respond to a COVID-19outbreak.

“It is critical that we ensure the safety of Americans living in public housing safe through this public health crisis," said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal investment will ensure Housing Authorities in Atascosa County have the necessary resources to protect their residents and staff. As a senior Appropriator, I will continue funding programs that combat homelessness and guarantee Housing providers keep their properties safe and well-maintained during these unprecedented times. I want to thank Mayor Willie Leal Jr. , Mayor Travis Hall Jr., City Council Members, and the rest of their staff for their dedication to supporting vulnerable populations in our community.”

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $850 million for administrative and other expenses incurred by public housing authorities (PHAs) in the CARES Act. These expenses include “activities to support or maintain the health and safety of assisted individuals and families, and costs related to retention and support of participating owners.

Funding Eligibility:

• Prepare for COVID-19 Outbreak:

• Creation or update of infectious disease outbreak plan;
• Sourcing and purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) for public housing authorities (PHA) staff;
• Coordination with providers of services needed to support residents as a result of COVID-19, including cost of delivery of goods, supplies, and equipment; 
• Coordination with local health service providers for activities, including: the development or provision of guidance to staff or residents, travel for testing, or other reasons related to COVID-19;
• Childcare costs for residents so that they can continue to work, and childcare costs for staff performing essential functions (as defined at the state/local levels), to the extent they would not have incurred otherwise; and
• Other reasonable expenses related to preparing for COVID-19.

• Prevent COVID-19 Outbreak:

• Costs related to maintaining adequate social distancing, including modifying or limiting access to communal spaces, increasing service hours to prevent crowding in waiting areas, or any other costs incurred to ensure adequate distance among staff and residents;
• Costs of delivering supplies so that staff or residents can shelter in place, thereby reducing exposure to the greatest number of people;
• Direct costs related to limiting the spread of COVID-19, including travel costs for testing, or other preventive health measures related to COVID-19;
• Expenses of isolating people suspected of being exposed or those at high-risk of serious complications if infected (e.g., elderly residents, and residents with underlying conditions);
• Costs of protecting residents (particularly high-risk residents) from exposure from interaction with PHA staff; and
• Payment of salaries of PHA staff unable to work due to COVID-19 public health restrictions (e.g., office management staff who cannot go into the office and cannot perform work remotely, or payment of full salaries of PHA staff forced to work part-time due to lack of childcare).

• Respond to COVID-19 Outbreak:
• Expenses of caring for PHA staff and residents who have tested positive, but do not require immediate hospitalization, including:
• Payment for increases in sick leave allowances for PHA staff;
• Physical, personnel, or security costs incurred to limit movement;
• Costs to safely transport residents that tested positive to a quarantine facility; and
• Costs of supporting residents in quarantine such as health-related supplies (e.g., masks and cleaning supplies).
• Expenses to safely transport residents/staff in need of medical attention;
• Expenses incurred because of COVID-19 restrictions impacting PHA operations (e.g., paying for transportation expenses for PHA staff who rely on public transit that is no longer available);
• Costs to facilitate and coordinate with local schools and local governments receiving funds from the Department of Education for the education of students in public housing households:
• Internet connection infrastructure; and
• Tablets or other low-cost computers for students.
• Other reasonable expenses incurred while responding to COVID-19.