Hidalgo County Community Service Agency to open limited relief sites for families affected by flooding

Hidalgo County Community Service Agency officials said the agency will open short, targeted assistance operations to distribute limited relief resources to vulnerable households affected by the recent flooding.

The agency said the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) authorized procurement of goods for the post‑flood response and that the program will provide gift cards and cleanup kits to families that meet program eligibility (households at or below 200% of federal poverty). The agency said residents must apply and provide proof of damage; distribution is limited by resource availability.

Agency staff said the initial two events will be held in Mercedes at the Mercedes Recreation Center and at the Far Development and Research Center, each serving an anticipated 150 families per site for two to three days; the county plans follow‑up sites the following week at Sullivan City and at Saint Teresa parish hall in Ed‑Couch. The agency said days and times will be posted on social media and through county channels when finalized.

Separately, county staff reminded the court that Hidalgo County’s earlier American Rescue Plan pilot under the Texas Homeowner Assistance framework helped pay delinquent property taxes for qualifying homeowners; the tax‑collection contractor also reported recently receiving residual ARPA funds to cover district clerk fees (about $175,000) associated with delinquent tax lawsuits and that county tax collections through the office had increased year over year.