During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) Executive Director Emilee Whitehurst announced on Monday, October 38, that Commissioners Court plans to approve a $500,000 grant for the HAWC to renovate its Crisis Response Center. The Crisis Response and Supportive Services Building will be connected to a new 135-unit emergency supportive housing complex for those fleeing domestic violence. HAWC is the county's largest and most comprehensive service provider and advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. The grant money will come from the county’s $19 million Community Facilities and Infrastructure Program, which is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
In attendance were Emilee Whitehurst, CEO and President of Houston Area Women's Center, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Congressman Al Green, Executive Director of Harris County Housing and Community Development Thao Costis, Director of Hotline & Crisis Intervention at Houston Area Women's Center (En Español) Celinda Guerra, Deputy CEO of Houston Area Women's Center (En Español) Sonia Corrales.
Watch the livestream.