BELTON, Texas — In the midst of the ongoing government shutdown , some relief has set in for Central Texans relying on Section 8 housing assistance .

“Just because the government shuts down doesn’t mean the need shuts down,” said Jim Reed, Executive Director of the Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG) .

CTCOG helps more than 2,400 families across seven counties — including Bell and Coryell — access affordable housing through the federal Section 8 program. At the start of the shutdown, Reed said the agency was concerned payments could freeze, leaving families and landlords in limbo.

As of Monday, that concern has lifted.

“Our November payments went out last week,” Reed said. “We know that we will be paying HAP payments on Dec. 1, assuming the money follows their email. The

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