by media | Mar 23, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr Launches Water Utility Assistance Program for Residents with Delinquent Water Bills
The City of Pharr and the Office of Grants Management and Community Development is pleased to announce that the city has been awarded additional CARES Act funding for their Emergency Utility Assistance Program to help residents affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Pharr is utilizing the CARES Act funds to launch a Water Utility Assistance Program to assist residents with delinquent water bills (up to $500 in eligible assistance is available).
Applications will be available starting on Monday, April 5, 2021, at Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Boulevard), 2nd floor. Applications will be accepted between the business hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The grant assistance will only cover the use of water, applicants will be responsible for the brush/sanitation/sewer/paving assessment fees and taxes. Only residents with delinquent water bills are eligible to apply!
Applicants must bring the following when applying for the program: driver’s license, 6 months of bank statements, 2019 Tax Return, and the last 3 months of their payroll check stubs.
“We understand the challenges that the pandemic has raised for families in our area and as soon as we knew CARES Act funding was available to our city, the utility assistance program was something we wanted to do,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This additional assistance will help provide some relief to our residents who currently find themselves with delinquent water bills,” added Hernandez.
For more information about the program, please contact the City of Pharr Grants Management & Community Development office at (956) 402-4190.
by media | Mar 23, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr EDC Foundation Announces Scholarship Program for Pharr Students
The Pharr EDC Foundation, in partnership with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the City of Pharr, is proud to announce that scholarship applications are now available for Pharr students.
The Pharr EDC Foundation will award a total of 150 scholarships, each at $2,000 ($1,000 per semester) for one academic year. Applications are available online at http://pharredc.com/foundation or can be picked up at the Pharr EDC (1215 S. Cage Blvd) in Pharr Monday through Friday between 8 am – 5 pm. The deadline to submit an application is Monday, April 12, 2021, by 5 pm.
“We are excited to open the Pharr EDC Foundation Scholarship to our Pharr community,” said Victor Perez, President of the Pharr EDC Foundation and Executive Director of the Pharr EDC. “There are many outstanding students in Pharr who are continuing their educational studies, but find themselves in need of financial assistance,” he added. “Our goal is to ensure that no student has to put their education on hold as they confront these challenges,” Perez continued.
The Scholarship Fund of the Pharr EDC Foundation was created for residents of the City of Pharr who are enrolling in a qualifying post-secondary institution. In order to apply for the Pharr EDC Foundation Scholarship, a candidate must meet the following requirements:
- Reside in the City of Pharr
- Be a current high school student graduating during the 2020-2021 school year
- Have maintained a grade point average of at least 2.5
- Submit completed application, essay/personal statement, and required documents no later than April 12, 2021
Completed applications should be submitted to [email protected].
An Advisory Committee composed of Foundation Board Members will review the applications and recommend recipients to the full Foundation Board of Directors. The Pharr EDC Foundation shall notify the chosen scholarship recipient(s) of its decision. All scholarship checks will be processed in a timely manner. Scholarship awards can be used for tuition, room & board, books, or other supplies.
The Pharr EDC Foundation is committed to supporting Pharr students’ achieve their educational and career dreams by helping them pay for college at all levels, whether it is for a trade or technical degree or a four-year university.
For more information about the application or should you have any questions, please contact Karina Lopez, Economic Development Manager at (956) 402-4332 or email [email protected].
by media | Mar 11, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr to Host Grand Opening of the First Floor of City Hall on Friday, 3/12 @ 11:30 am
The City of Pharr will host a Grand Opening of the First Floor of City Hall, unveiling the newly remodeled space. The event will take place at 11:30 am on Friday, March 12, 2021, at Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd).
“We are proud to unveil our newly remodeled First Floor of Pharr City Hall,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “There are many new features and amenities which will assist in providing our Pharr citizens enhanced services when they visit the facility,” he added.
City departments that will be housed on the first floor include Development Services and Engineering.
The renovations include an updated facade to the interior of the facility along with more accessible and enhanced areas for citizens, employees, and visitors to enjoy. A brand new feature includes the opening of Park Bench Deli, which will serve as a delicious meal option for employees and visitors.
Joining us at the event as our special guest is Catherine DiGrazia, a talented singer, Pharr native, and PSJA North Early College High School Senior, who will be performing several Opera songs throughout the event.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Grand Opening of First Floor of Pharr City Hall
WHEN: Friday, March 12, 2021 at 11:30 am
WHERE: First Floor of Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577
by media | Mar 11, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr Police Department and Hidalgo County DA Launch Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit During
“No More Week”
No More Week, March 7-13, is a way for leading organizations, companies, leaders, and people to come together to help end domestic violence. No More Week is also one of the best opportunities for those traumatized by domestic violence and sexual assault to seek help and help others.
Pharr, Texas – Continuing its efforts to respond to the need for community-based, partnership-driven, and compassionate policing, the Pharr Police Department has partnered with the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office and other community resource agencies to develop and launch a Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit.
The announcement was made at a Press Conference held on International Women’s Day and during “No More Week.”
The Pharr Police Department announced that it has partnered with community agencies and organizations to support the Unit, including DHR Health Safe H.A.V.E.N. Forensic Exam Center, Hidalgo County Community Service Agency, and Women Together/Mujeres Unidas.
“This collaboration is yet another step in the way we want to police in our city,” said Pharr Chief of Police Andrew Harvey. “This serious issue of domestic violence is a community issue and it takes a community team to resolve it,” he continued. “We are so proud of all our partners who are helping us and honored for their assistance as we work together to address domestic violence and provide assistance to those in need,” added Harvey. “We will do whatever it takes to keep our victims safe and seek justice on their behalf!”
At the press conference, a donation in the amount of $2,500 each from the Pharr Police Department and the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office was presented to Mujeres Unidas, a non-profit community service organization whose mission is to provide shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The City of Pharr Police Department and the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office present a check donation of $2,500 each to Mujeres Unidas.
Pharr’s Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit was created out of an overwhelming need to support victims of domestic violence – ensuring victims’ safety first and foremost; obtaining immediate services such as a safe temporary shelter, counseling, and more; and providing resources and support to navigate the investigation process, judicial system, and beyond. By approaching the crisis situation with a specially-trained response unit and a plan for action for the victim, the Pharr Police Department will swiftly intervene and get the victim the appropriate help they need and, where necessary, the justice they deserve.
“The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office is ecstatic that the Pharr Police Department has stepped up to the plate to address the issue of the dangers of domestic violence through tangible solutions by creating this important response team here in the City of Pharr,” said Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez. “I commend the mayor, city commissioners, Chief Harvey, and all our partners for bringing this response unit to the community and helping to protect domestic violence victims,” he added. “Victims have rights and our office stands ready to assist and support investigations and possible prosecutions that may arise from these efforts, promote appropriate justice, and ensure victims’ safety,” Rodriguez continued.
A study by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found that 1 in 4 women was reluctant to turn to law enforcement for help; two-thirds or more were afraid the police wouldn’t believe them or do anything to intervene.
“The City of Pharr is proud to continue to address the needs in our community through policing initiatives that are based on compassion, effectiveness, and innovative methods,” stated Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We thank the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office, Mujeres Unidas, DHR Health, and the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency for working with us to address domestic violence,” added Hernandez. “Working together, we can help educate our community and save more victims.”
by media | Mar 5, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr PD and Hidalgo County DA to Launch Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit During “No More Week” at 2 pm Monday, March 8
Continuing its efforts to respond to the need for community-based, partnership-driven and compassionate policing, the Pharr Police Department has partnered with the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office and other community resource agencies to develop and launch a Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit.
A joint press conference announcing the launch of the Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit will be held at 2 pm on Monday, March 8, 2021, at the Pharr Police Department (1900 S Cage Blvd) in Pharr.
At the press conference, a donation in the amount of $2,500 each from the Pharr Police Department and the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office will take place in a check presentation to Mujeres Unidas, a non-profit community service organization whose mission is to provide shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Pharr’s Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit was created out of an overwhelming need to support victims of domestic violence – ensuring victims safety first and foremost; obtaining immediate services such as a safe temporary shelter, counseling, and more; and providing resources and support to navigate the investigation process, judicial system, and beyond. By approaching the crisis situation with a specially-trained response unit and a plan for action for the victim, the Pharr Police Department will swiftly intervene and get the victim the appropriate help they need and, where necessary, the justice they deserve.
“We want to bring awareness to the issue of the dangers of domestic violence through tangible solutions that can capably respond to and address instances of domestic violence,” said Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez. “I applaud Pharr’s commitment to developing specialty units that are well-equipped with training and resources to properly respond to and handle crisis situations regarding domestic violence,” he added. “Our office stands ready to assist and support investigations and possible prosecutions that may arise from these efforts, promote appropriate justice, and ensure victims’ safety,” Rodriguez continued.
A study by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found that 1 in 4 women was reluctant to turn to law enforcement for help; two-thirds or more were afraid the police wouldn’t believe them or do anything to intervene.
“Building strategic partnerships with other agencies is part of our policing approach to better serve our community. Victims of domestic violence need to feel safe reaching out to us during a crisis situation or when in need, meeting them where they are will help us build their trust,” said Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey. “Ultimately, we want victims to feel confident they will get the help, care, and resources they need when they reach out,” Harvey continued.
“Our police department and officers are committed to ensuring that these types of situations are handled in a safe, compassionate manner and that we engage with all available resources to help the victim,” stated Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez.
The Pharr Police Department has partnered with community agencies and organizations to support the Unit, including DHR Health Safe H.A.V.E.N. Forensic Exam Center, Hidalgo County Community Service Agency, and Women Together/Mujeres Unidas. Representatives from the partner organizations will also be in attendance at the press conference to discuss the support roles their organizations will provide to the Unit.
Media is invited to attend.
To ensure social distancing accommodations, please confirm your media outlet’s attendance by emailing [email protected] or texting Karina at 956.343.0011.
DETAILS
WHAT: Press Conference Announcing Launch of Pharr’s Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit and Check Presentation to Mujeres Unidas
WHEN: Monday, March 8, 2021, at 2 pm
WHERE: Pharr Police Department (1900 S. Cage Blvd) in Pharr.
