Texas Rent Assistance for Low-Income

Texas Rent Assistance Programs – State and local programs assist many low-income Texans in getting into new housing and prevent evictions.  Whether you live in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Fort Worth, or any other town in Texas, you can find help.

It can be frustrating when you work yet still struggle with rent and mortgage payments.  Rent assistance programs provide the support needed to increase residents’ security every year.  Millions of Americans work 40 or more hours a week and still have to get help from the government and other organizations.

State and Local Texas Rent Relief

Sadly, this is the new normal for far too many people.   State and local programs and charities provide financial help to low-income, elderly, and disabled.  If you live in Texas and face eviction,  try not to panic. Texas rent relief  833-989-7368.

Many places offer Texans help with rent.  We will provide you with a list of state, local, and government organizations and charities to pay your past-due rent or mortgage.

Getting Rent Assistance in Texas

Some programs will help you pay past-due rent if you are facing eviction.  You can get a voucher from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to help pay your rent and security deposit when renting a new dwelling.  1-(800) 525-0657

1. Project Access (Voucher) Program

This program offers money for rent for those who qualify financially.  They do not give clients cash, but the voucher goes directly to the landlord or owner of the dwelling.  Coupons can not be exchanged or used for any other purpose.

2.  Section 811

The Section 811 program helps the disabled who live independently in subsidized communities with assistance services.  Section 811 provides rental payments to disadvantaged individuals of the Target Population.

The target population includes:

• People with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
• Youth with disabilities who live in foster care.
• Those with disabilities wish to transition from an institution to independent living.
• Those with severe mental illness receive services but experience obstacles because of housing instability.

3. Section 8

The Statewide Housing Assistance Payments Program (Section 8) gives rental subsidy vouchers to families earning less than 50 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.  They also assist the elderly and disabled with affordable housing.

Texas Financial Assistance Programs

4.  Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program

The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program is a Federally funded program regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  It is managed and operated in the City of Arlington by the Housing Authority of the City of Arlington (AHA).

The funding for the TBRA program is HUD HOME program funding. HUD allocates HOME funds to the City of Arlington annually.

The Arlington City Council determines the amount of HOME funding Arlington the TBRA program receives. The purpose of the TBRA program is to provide rental housing assistance with supportive services to the homeless.  Also, other low-income persons need decent, affordable housing. Housing assistance lasts up to 2 years.
Through the TBRA program, the AHA can assist qualified participants with rent, utilities, and security deposits.

5.  Texas Rent Assistance and Security Deposits

Renting an apartment can be expensive, depending on where you live.  Most properties charge one or more months of rent, processing charges, and deposits.  Understandably, these fees protect the rental property in the case of damages or the renter skips the apartment.  When you are low-income, these fees can add up and sometimes hinder getting a flat.

The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program helps low-income residents with security and utility deposits and pays rent for up to two years until the person becomes self-sufficient.  Must meet program income requirements.

6.  Emergency TANF Assistance

One-Time TANF

This benefit program helps Texan families with children.

• If you are a family with children aged 18 and younger
• You are unemployed with no resources
• You are in danger of losing your home to a medical emergency.
  

This help is available for families with children aged 18 and younger if you qualify financially and have an eviction notice, utilities are about to be turned off, or you are a victim of a disaster such as a flood or fire.  You do not have to be on welfare rolls to get assistance.  This program provides money for food, housing, utilities, furniture, clothing, medical supplies not covered by Medicaid, and transportation.

7. Texas Emergency Rental Assistance

The Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs and Texas Rent Relief are sharing these links while realizing that some of these programs may no longer have assistance as programs and fund availability are changing daily.

If confirmed not to have funds, the link is provided with a note that their portal is closed. This list shows cities alphabetically, followed by counties alphabetically.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense financial hardship for many Americans, and the state of Texas is no exception. The TDHCA and Texas Rent Relief are sharing links to assistance programs that may be able to help, but it’s important to note that these programs’ availability is changing daily.

8.  Charities & Religious Organizations

Charities, such as The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or the Red Cross, may be able to provide emergency help paying rent and utilities.  Individual donations and federal programs fund these Texas rent assistance agencies.  These agencies not only help pay rent, utilities, clothing, food, medical assistance, job training, and more.

Each charity’s yearly funding is limited and must extend to as many as possible.  Texas, rent assistance programs, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.   You may also not receive the entire amount you need from one organization.

For example, if you face eviction and need $2,500 to keep your home or apartment, you may receive only $300 from one agency.  And you will have to go to other organizations to get the total amount.

It can be frustrating and embarrassing. However, remember, you need a place to live.  Your situation is temporary, and things will get better.  You may also get help with a list of food banks and church pantries to provide you with groceries.

• Red Cross
• United Way
• Salvation Army
• Catholic Charities
• Lutheran Services in America
• The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

9.  Texas Emergency Assistance Registry

If you need help during an emergency, the STEAR program can assist you. In Texas, districts use the registry information in different ways. There is no guarantee that you will receive a specific service during an emergency.  If you register with the STEAR registry, know that services vary by community.

Contact the local emergency management office to find out how your community used information in the STEAR registry.  Please apply if you are disabled, need medical assistance, need medical transportation, or do not speak English.  Apply online, or call United Way at 2-1-1.

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