Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs have announced the state will provide HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) to Texans experiencing housing challenges due to COVID-19.
These TBRA funds have been made possible through a series of waivers recently authorized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
These waivers will provide the state with the flexibility needed to provide assistance to Texans in need.
Abbott and TDHCA initially requested these federal waivers on April 1.
The HUD waivers will allow a portion of TDHCA funds to be used to help families and individuals with up to 100 percent of the cost of rent, security deposit payments and utility bills for tenants affected by loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Up to $11.3 million will be available to current TBRA administrators in coming weeks who will then distribute the aid to qualifying Texans.
"Thanks to these waivers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Texas will be able to provide much-needed financial relief to Texans struggling with housing due to challenges posed by COVID-19," Abbott said in a prepared statement. "We are committed to supporting Texans facing severe economic hardship brought on by this pandemic, and the state will continue to work closely with our federal partners to give Texans the resources and assistance they need."
Individuals needing assistance should visit Help for Texans to search for rental assistance providers in their area.
Those needing the help are directoted to click Long Term Rent Payment Help, enter their city or county, and click on the Find Help button.