WTAW - Interviews

This podcast is a visit with Raney Whitwell of the city of College Station's community development office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.

In September 2023, the College Station city council awarded Twin City Mission a contract to administer a federal grant to assist College Station residents who are dealing with homelessness.Wednesday (June 26) is the official launch of a three year, $1.74 million dollar grant.

Raney Whitwell at the city's community development office says case managers from Twin City Mission will meet affected residents where they are, so that residents don't have to deal with scheduling trips to Bryan where most social service agencies are located.

The L.E.A.D. program is an acronym for Lifeline for Stability, Empowerment through Education, Access to Resources, and a Dedicated Support System.

Whitwell says the grant uses a three pronged approach to address the causes of homelessness...trauma informed case management, navigating available benefits and resources, and life and financial coaching.

A ribbon cutting and reception to begin the program is scheduled Wednesday (June 26) from two until four p.m. at College Station city hall.

Click HERE to be directed to more information from a city of College Station blog post.

News release from the city of College Station:

As homelessness continues to affect vulnerable populations, the City of College Station has joined forces with the Twin City Mission to create the L.E.A.D. Program to provide assistance and supportive services. The primary focus is on individuals, families, and other vulnerable and at-risk populations facing housing instability.

The program’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony is Wednesday, June 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. at College Station City Hall.

L.E.A.D. is an acronym for Lifeline for Stability, Empowerment through Education, Access to Resources, and a Dedicated Support System.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated $1.74 million for the program through the HOME Investment Partnership Program – American Rescue Plan.

Following a rigorous RFP process, the City of College Station chose the Twin City Mission to receive the funding.

L.E.A.D.’s Key Components

• Trauma-Informed Case Management: The program recognizes trauma as an underlying cause of homelessness and housing instability. Case managers provide compassionate, trauma-informed support to address the root causes and help individuals regain stability.

• Benefits Navigation: Identifying available benefits and resources can be overwhelming. The L.E.A.D. program guides participants through the process, ensuring they can access the assistance they need.

• Life and Financial Coaching: Financial literacy and life skills are essential for long-term stability. Coaches empower participants with practical knowledge, helping them make informed decisions to achieve self-sufficiency.

By combining resources and expertise, the City of College Station and Twin City Mission are committed to positively impacting the lives of those in need.

Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M President's Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the busy month of June, College Station's unrelated housing ordinance, a student plan for a safer campus, the Qatar campus, the health insurance agreement between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Baylor Scott & White Health, administrative updates, new offerings at the flagship campus this fall, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.

This podcast contains comments from the June 13, 2024 College Station city council meeting.

The June 13th meeting of the College Station city council meeting included a semiannual update on some of the city's 81 capital improvements projects.

Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 13, 2024 College Station city council meeting.

The list from the city's capital projects director Jennifer Cain, began with the timeline to expand the section of Greens Prairie Road that is in Brazos County, which the county previously agreed to pay the city to administer. 

Mayor John Nichols asked city manager Bryan Woods to check with county officials if they would increase their contribution of the project cost, which is now estimated at $6.3 million dollars. The city's agreement calls for the county to pay around $4.5 million.

Cain also provided an update on separated bike lanes coming to George Bush Drive between Texas and Wellborn. She said the bike lanes have been designed and the Texas Department of Transportation is scheduled to let the construction contract in July.

Rebuilding Krenek Tap Road, which includes replacing storm and sewer lines and adding sidewalks, is scheduled to start sometime this fall.

Replacing tennis courts at Bee Creek Park and Central Park is scheduled to start later this summer. 

In July of last year, the College Station city council approved a resolution endorsing private fundraising for an indoor tennis building at Bee Creek Park. Assistant city manager Jennifer Prochazka responded to a council question that the offer has been rescinded.

Construction of new pickleball and futsol courts at Anderson Park is expected to start before the end of this summer.

The council was also told replacement of Bachmann Park little league and senior league buildings is scheduled to start either this July or August, construction of a bus shelter next to city hall is scheduled to start this fall, and construction of fire station seven on Greens Prairie Road is scheduled to start in the spring of 2025.

Councilwoman Linda Harvell discussed the economic impact of the events at Kyle Field, the paid parking pilot program, the former Macy's store location at Post Oak Mall, enforcing the no-more-than-four unrelated ordinance, the need for volunteers for an upcoming track and field event, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.

Bryan Councilman Jared Salvato visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about recruiting more retail and restaurants to the east side of town, Destination Bryan, Topgolf's acquisition of BigShots Golf, the purchase of new ambulances, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.

Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about last night's council meeting, future development on East 29th Street, the Scofflaw Program, Destination Bryan, progress at the Phillips Event Center, BVSMA, the interim police chief, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.

Amy Raines, Marketing and Communications Director, is joined by College Station Police Officer David Simmons to discuss Family Fish, the opening of their new exhibit, the new Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.

Royce Hickman, Community Liaison, visits with WTAW's Sean Burnett about the success of Aggie sports, Founders Night, other Chamber events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.

Peggi Ondrasek, President and CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about their annual campaign results, the upcoming campaign kickoff event, workplace campaigns, and more.

Captain Luis Villanueva visits with WTAW’s Sean Burnett about the Salvation Army's school supply drive for local kids in need, the Building Hope Campaign, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.