Irving-based Level Pathways (LP) continues its fundraising momentum to care for homeless youth wanting to finish high school. Fresh off their press release last month announcing a strategic partnership and generous charitable donation with Bioworld Foundation, LP just received its first Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the City of Irving.
Most nonprofits find that applying for and being awarded a grant is no slam dunk. LP’s Executive Director, Bob Harris, agrees. “This was our fourth time to apply for the grant. We got better at it each time, and Irving city staff helped us tremendously in understanding what we need to do to be successful.”
A program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the CDBG provides annual grants to states, cities and counties to expand economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income citizens.
When asked how the CDBG will benefit Irving’s homeless youth, Mr. Harris did not hesitate. “We’re putting skin in the game and matching funds from the grant to hire another case manager.”
LP’s case managers help Irving homeless students secure community resources such as housing, transportation, food, clothing and more, with the goal to help them graduate high school.
Studies show the vast majority of homeless youth will drop out of school which makes them far more likely to be victims of human trafficking, forced to sell illegal drugs, or initiated into gangs. Not only will the CDBG help Level Pathways continue to fulfill its mission, but it also provides a roadmap for future grant opportunities with the city.
“This only further cements our relationship with the City of Irving,” Mr. Harris said. “We are very happy and excited about it!”
Presented by Level Pathways.
