The Houston Housing and Community Development Department presented two first amendments to subrecipient agreements at the Housing and Affordability Committee meeting Oct. 21 that would add Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money to two early‑childhood programs.

Assistant Director Melody Barr told the committee the department is proposing up to $140,000 in additional CDBG funding for the Chinese Community Center to support administration and operations of an early‑childhood development and out‑of‑school‑time youth enrichment program that serves low‑ and moderate‑income families in the West End. The department says the Chinese Community Center program will serve a minimum of 250 children through two tracks: an early‑childhood curriculum for children roughly 18 months to 5 years old and an after‑school and summer program for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Barr said the Chinese Community Center has received city funding since 2003 and “has no findings.” As of August 2025 the department reported the provider had used nearly 80% of its current funding and had reached 88% of its service goal. Lisa To, youth program manager, and John Stewart, senior grant manager, were present from the Chinese Community Center.

Barr also presented a first amendment to a subrecipient agreement with the Child Care Council of Greater Houston to provide up to $100,000 in CDBG funds for an infant and early childhood development program at the West End Child Development Center in the Houston Heights. The department said that program will serve 18 children ages 0–5 and offer family support services including referrals to housing‑stability resources, parenting sessions and meals. Myrtle Skilner, CEO, and Rebecca Corvo, information coordinator, attended for the Child Care Council.

Barr told the committee that Child Care Council had a single finding in its last monitoring review related to case management and supportive services. The department said the council submitted a corrective plan on June 12, 2025, and the personnel review found the documentation sufficient to resolve the finding. Barr said her team continues to work with the provider to ensure supportive resources reach families.

The presentation drew no committee questions while the meeting proceeded to other agenda items. No formal vote on the amendments was recorded during the committee presentation.