City Council members voted June 11 to commit $397,375 in federal grant funding to the Round Rock Area Serving Center to provide Round Rock residents in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding was made possible through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, which aims to help low to moderate income residents with rent, meals, minor home repairs and more. The City will use the COVID-19 funds to reimburse the Serving Center for rent or mortgage and utility assistance provided to residents since March 13 and moving forward.

“We are excited to administer these funds to COVID-impacted families. Please know that they are so grateful,” said Lori Scott, Executive Director of the Round Rock Area Serving Center.

Low to moderate income individuals or households are eligible to be assisted with rent or mortgage and utilities including gas, electric and water payments for up to three months. The City of Round Rock expects to resume utility disconnects for nonpayment starting in the month of July. 

The Serving Center has received traditional CDBG funding in the past, including $85,000 for housing assistance, food pantry and the volunteer center in 2019.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Serving Center modified its operations to meet the needs for clients and COVID-19 impacted households by providing drive-through food distribution. Approximately 100 families were served for every three-hour distribution. The Serving Center reported that its caseload increased by 400 percent in April; in May, the caseload increased by 275 percent. Earlier this week, the Serving Center reopened its thrift stores and the donation receiving area and, last week, converted its food distribution to a curbside delivery. 

Individuals or households in need of assistance can apply by visiting rrasc.org/financialassistance.