More than $7 million dollars from the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund is starting to be doled out to 28 non-profits throughout the Houston region.
They include BakerRipley, New Hope Housing and the Houston Food Bank. But Harris County Judge Ed Emmett was quick to point out that other relief is still available.
“This does not supplant FEMA, nor the DSNAP program, nor any of those that are out there right now,” Emmett said Tuesday. “Those are still in process and people who are eligible need be going through that process.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner echoed those sentiments.
“We are complimenting the monies that are being given by FEMA and other entities,” he said. “So we're talking about people who are seniors, especially with special needs, people in low-income communities, people who may not have flood insurance.”
Judge Emmett and Mayor Turner appointed a 12-member board to oversee the fund and officials say it was important the first round of money went to those who need it immediately.
“Their job is to make sure that these funds are distributed to reputable organizations and they get out to the people who are most in need,” said Emmett.
The groups now have 90 days to start using the money to help Harvey victims.