The Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) recommends Council approval of an Ordinance authorizing a Second Amendment to the Subrecipient Agreement between the City of Houston (City) and Educational Programs Inspiring Communities, extending the term of the Agreement through August 31, 2026 and providing up to an additional $250,000.00 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the administration and operation of the H.E.A.R.T. job training program to serve 45 adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Through the H.E.A.R.T. job training program, trainees will continue to learn how to operate various vending machines and work concessions at events across the Houston area. Through its retail program, H.E.A.R.T. trainees receive classroom and hands-on training at an onsite mock CVS store and work a six-week supervised internship at a local CVS store.
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CATEGORY
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AMOUNT
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PERCENT
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|
Program
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$221,434.00
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88.57%
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Administration
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$28,566.00
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11.43%
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Total
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$250,000.00
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100.00%
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HCD conducted a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Public Services funding in December 2022 with the option for renewal in up to one-year increments at the City’s discretion. Educational Programs Inspiring Communities was one of the agencies selected.
The initial Agreement period was from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, and a First Amendment extended this Agreement through August 31, 2025. An administrative extension extended this Agreement through September 30, 2025. The Second Amendment will extend the term and provide funding through August 31, 2026.
As of May 31, 2025, the H.E.A.R.T. program has served 45 adults, meeting 100% of its goal, and has utilized approximately 90% of its total funds. The H.E.A.R.T. program has received funding from the City of Houston since 2005. There were no findings during the most recent annual compliance monitoring.
Fiscal Note:
No fiscal note is required for grant items.
The Housing and Affordability Committee reviewed this item on September 16, 2025.
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Michael Nichols, Director