From The Texas Tribune · Stephen Simpson · · 2m
Harris County backs 3 programs to drive down crime
Federal cuts threaten community safety initiatives that have helped thousands and reduced gun violence in Houston-area neighborhoods.
In brief
Federal cuts threaten community safety initiatives that have helped thousands and reduced gun violence in Houston-area neighborhoods. Harris County is investing $3 million in local tax dollars to sustain three community safety programs after federal funding cuts threatened to end them. Originally reported by The Texas…
A model domestic violence program
Harris County's Domestic Violence Coordinating Council gives families money for rent, utilities, and groceries with no questions asked.
Three programs tackle safety
HART sends mental health specialists to crises. RISE reduces gun violence through community interventions like hospital visits for gunshot victims.
Born from George Floyd protests
The three community safety programs were created after nationwide protests following George Floyd's death.
The programs are working
Gun homicide rates fell faster in RISE areas than Houston overall. The programs have helped over 5,000 survivors and connected 5,000 residents to care.
Federal cuts threaten programs
Federal budget cuts and declining donations put the programs at risk. Commissioners approved $3 million in local tax dollars to keep them running.
“Domestic violence resources have never been resourced properly from the beginning, ever.”
Rural counties depend on Houston
Harris County programs spread across county lines, helping smaller rural counties that can't afford their own safety net programs.
“It'll wipe those programs out.”
Federal grants vanish nationwide
The Justice Department terminated 365 grants last year, with $500 million in promised funds evaporating across 48 states.
“I can't express enough how dire the situation is right now and how critical it is that we don't move backward.”
Trump administration cuts explained
The White House said programs funded DEI instead of safety. But 60% of terminated grants made no reference to diversity or equity in their descriptions.
Harris County loses millions
Domestic violence organizations in Harris and Fort Bend counties lost around $4 million collectively, leading to staff cuts and longer wait times.
“That is years of wisdom and years of experience walking out the door.”
Residents plead for funding
Harris County residents and advocates at public meetings urged commissioners to fund the programs using local tax dollars.
“These are not charitable extras; they are the basic infrastructure people need to live safely and with dignity.”
How the money will be spent
$1.5 million expands HART to 24/7 operation. $600,000 expands RISE into another neighborhood. $1 million sustains domestic violence prevention.
Crime drops where programs operate
RISE neighborhoods saw a 36% drop in crime, including a 48% drop in family violence and a 34% drop in aggravated robberies in two years.
A model for the nation
The $3 million brings total annual investment to $14 million, nearly 1% of the county's law enforcement spending, aiming to make Harris County a national model.
“We hope to make Harris County a perfect model for other people to look at when you talk about community safety.”
The main idea
Harris County is investing $3 million in local tax dollars to sustain three community safety programs after federal funding cuts threatened to end them.
