Harris County has allocated $7.7 million in funding to assist mobile home communities that are required to relocate to safer areas with lower flood risks.
Affected residents and mobile home communities will have access to increased benefits in Harris County. (Photo: Community Impact)
Financial Support for Mobile Home Communities
The Harris County commissioners unanimously agreed on June 27 to add $7,706,250 from reserve funds to the Project Recovery Post-Disaster Buyout & Relocation program’s Special Assistance Funding Effort. This initiative provides financial support to mobile home communities and undocumented immigrants residing in areas where buyouts are mandatory, as stated on the Harris County Project Recovery website.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis of Precinct 1 emphasized that immigration status should not hinder mobile home communities or anyone’s ability to recover from a climate disaster or live in a secure and flood-resistant home, Community Impact reported.
The funds will primarily aid approximately 49 residents of the Greens Road mobile home community who are ineligible for full or partial assistance under the federal Uniform Relocation Act. In total, it is estimated that 83 residents from various mobile home communities will require assistance from the Special Assistance Funding Effort (SAFE).
Thanks to the additional funding, affected residents and mobile home communities will have access to increased benefits, including $210,000 to replace their homes and $60,000 in rental assistance. These resources aim to facilitate the relocation process and provide support to individuals affected by the buyout program.
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Concerns of Residents in Mobile Home Communities
The Mandatory Buyout Program, established by Harris County leaders earlier in 2021, was designed to offer communities with a history of severe and repetitive flooding the opportunity to relocate to safer areas. During a commissioners’ meeting on May 16, nine individuals, including residents, expressed their concerns and called for further assistance.
Perla Garcia, one of the residents, pleaded for more support, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrant individuals in the affected communities. She mentioned the presence of people suffering from illnesses such as cancer and diabetes, the elevated stress levels, and the lack of proper treatment and care for residents.
By allocating these funds and expanding the support available, Harris County aims to assist mobile home communities in relocating to safer areas while prioritizing the well-being and recovery of all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
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