The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a comprehensive plan for the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds during their Commissioners Court meeting this week. The plan addressed critical needs that have been identified in communities, including an increase in homelessness, need for mental health and substance abuse services and domestic violence.
The county will be partnering with Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) to build micro-homes in Community First! Village which provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women experiencing chronic homelessness. This nationally recognized program effectively works with faith-based, community and non-profit partners, such as Family Eldercare, to support MLF’s mission to provide housing, food, clothing and resources to mitigate homelessness, while cultivating community and promoting dignity.
Alan Graham, founder and CEO of MLF, said, "We are grateful for this partnership with Williamson County. Working together, we can lift more men and women experiencing homelessness in Central Texas off the streets into community and home in Community First! Village.”
Allocated funds will also allow the county to partner with their local mental health authority Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, private partners and the State of Texas to leverage funds and increase access to mental health, substance abuse detox and support services.
“These services are especially important now as the county, the State of Texas and the country suffer from a dramatic increase in drug overdose deaths, many of which are coming from our youth,” said Commissioner Cynthia Long.
The remaining funding will go towards updating ventilators for all the county’s EMS vehicles, a domestic violence detective, a contracted water study to assess the aquifers that provide water for some of the county’s current and growing population and a pilot program to improve broadband access in underserved areas.