State of Texas:
Emergency Assistance for Homeless and At-Risk Housing Needs
Renters who owe more than 5-months of rent payments are encouraged to apply directly to the Texas Rent Relief Program listed below.
Texas Rent Relief (TRR) Program:
The State of Texas has allocated approximately $1.3 Billion in federal funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to assist landlords and households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Past due, current, and up to 3 months of expected rent costs
Past due, current, or up to 3 months of expected utility and home energy expenses
After the initial 3 months of forwarding assistance, you can apply for 3 additional months of assistance if funds are still available
To qualify for the Texas Rent Relief Program:
Households must have an income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), as defined by TDHCA;
AND one or more of the tenant household members have:
Qualified for unemployment benefits; or
Attest in writing that due to or during the pandemic, they:
Experienced a reduction in household income,
Incurred significant costs, or
Experienced financial hardship
AND Households must also demonstrate they:
Are at risk of homelessness or housing instability by providing an eviction notice or past-due utility or rent notice; or
Live in unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions
The unit they are renting must be their primary residence and be located within the State of Texas.
Any unpaid rent or utility bills they apply for can go no further back than March 13, 2020.
Renters may apply on their own, and landlords may apply on behalf of their tenants. More information about the Texas Rent Relief Program is available online (https://texasrentrelief.com/) or by phone (1-833-989-7368) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST.
Denton County created an eviction diversion program as a collaborated effort with the United Way and other local agencies through funds provided by federal stimulus. Info. can be found here: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3183/Eviction-Prevention-Flyer---List-of-Agencies-PDF?bidId=
Tarrant County created the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to assist with Rent/Utility assistance using funds provided by the U.S. Treasury Department as part of the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
Additional resources:
Texas Health and Human Services assists with connecting individuals and families in-need via 211-Texas (which can also be reached by calling 211).
Denton County United Way:
Individuals/families experiencing Homelessness: https://www.unitedwaydenton.org/homelessness-resources
Veterans Referral: https://www.unitedwaydenton.org/veterans-referral-form
Serve Denton: https://www.servedenton.org/team
City of Denton: https://www.cityofdenton.com/en-us/all-departments/quality-of-life/community-services/community-development/rental-needsDenton County Housing Authority works with low-income families: http://www.dentonhousingauthority.com/
Denton County Friends of the Family (940) 387-5131 - Denton County Friends of the Family provides compassionate, comprehensive services to those impacted by rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, while partnering with our community to promote safety, hope, healing, justice, and prevention.
Evictions in Texas FAQs - Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) and Texas Homeless Network (THN) compiled a FAQs list on evictions in Texas due to COVID-19. Please view the infographic linked here for more information.
Our Daily Bread (940) 566-1308 - Our Daily Bread is a community soup kitchen that serves free meals and provides support resources.
The Salvation Army Denton Shelter (940) 566-3800 - The Salvation Army Denton addresses the needs of individuals experiencing homeless and/or food insecurity and the working poor of Denton County.
The City of Lewisville doesn’t currently offer direct rental or utility assistance, but local assistance info. can be found on their website: https://www.cityoflewisville.com/about-us/city-departments/neighborhood-services/community-development-block-grants/rental-utility-and-homeless-services
