Harris County is stepping up its game to fight evictions, pouring another $4 million into legal aid for tenants staring down the barrel of homelessness. This hefty sum doubles down on an existing $4 million commitment, bringing some much-needed muscle to the Housing and Legal Services Fund Program. "Everyone in Harris County deserves safe, healthy, affordable and stable housing," declared Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, according to The Leader News. Tenants in all of the county's 16 justice of the peace courts can now to quickly access free legal representation, thanks to the partnership with Lone Star Legal Aid and Neighborhood Defender Services.
The move to bolster legal aid couldn't have come at a more urgent time, as the specter of eviction has loomed large since the pandemic. Ellis put the issue in stark terms, saying, "But thousands of our neighbors are at risk of losing their homes through eviction. This was a problem before 2020 and became a crisis in the pandemic. Since March 2020, landlords have filed at least 220,800 evictions in Harris County courts." These figures were highlighted by The Leader News.
Aside from tackling the eviction crisis, the Harris County Commissioners Court has also turned its attention to mental health. They're throwing a $4.6 million lifeline to expand the Holistic Assistance Response Team program, which has already proved its mettle during a year-long pilot. The expanded program aims to take a bite out of non-violent 911 calls, linking people in the throws of mental health struggles with resources that can make a real difference, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
This wrap-up to 2023 has Harris County Commissioners Court adjourning with a sense of accomplishment, though they'll be back to the grindstone come January. High on the agenda will be the debate over neighborhood policing contracts. A hot topic that's already sparked threats from State Rep. Tom Oliverson, who claims any shift in funding could be seen as a move to 'defund the police.' Oliverson didn't mince words, warning, "I'll have to pass legislation in response if the court approves it." His comments were captured by the Houston Chronicle.
