20,000 Additional Families to Each Receive $1,500; 5-Day Application Window Runs Sept 8–12
Another $30 million has been added to Harris County Recovery Assistance (HCRA), thereby allowing the program to reopen for additional applications Wednesday–Sunday, September 8–12, at HarrisCountyRelief.org. The program is administered by Catholic Charities and provides $1500 one-time grants to Harris County families struggling due to COVID-related layoffs and wage reductions.
Since COVID’s economic impact has created financial instability for families who have never before needed public aid, additional money has been allocated so more applicants can be helped. For this program, a family experiencing pandemic-related financial hardship may apply as long as one member of the household has legal status and if the total household income falls below 60% of the HUD Area Median Family Income ($33,300 for one person; $47,520 for a family of four).
The program is open to renters and homeowners alike. People can apply on their own without cooperation from a landlord or mortgage company, since the money can be used for any type of urgent expense (housing, groceries, utilities, healthcare, childcare, transportation, etc.). To ensure fairness, households will be selected randomly, and all funding will be distributed by late fall.
During this round, additional community outreach is planned to ensure that eligible households in every Harris County precinct have the opportunity to apply.
“We’ve seen an overwhelming need for continued, direct assistance to help families meet their basic needs,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “While a $1,500 payment will not lift a family out of poverty, it can help someone stay healthy and housed. We also know from experience that when struggling families receive financial assistance, they put that money back into the economy.”
“This pandemic isn’t just a public health crisis; it has deepened economic inequality across Harris County,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “It makes sense that we ensure we have as many people as possible to apply for these funds. Reaching communities most affected by the pandemic is key to recovery for all of us.”
“It’s important for all relief programs to be both representative of the geography as well as the cultural diversity of our county,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “With the application opening up again briefly, my team will be pounding the pavement to get the word out to the people living in areas that have been previously underrepresented.”
“As we continue to recover from the economic hardships brought on by COVID-19, it’s essential to support those still working to regain financial stability,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, P.E. “This additional application period will allow Harris County residents another opportunity to receive assistance and continue to build back what they have lost. Harris County succeeds when all residents have a chance to succeed.”
“While many of us have managed to escape the worst of COVID-19’s economic ravages, a large number of our neighbors have been less fortunate,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle. “I’m glad we can again extend the needed help to those who need it most.”
As with other recent COVID relief funds, additional nonprofits have been engaged to serve as navigators, to provide assistance with the application process to families that have technological or language barriers. The agencies include Hope Disaster Recovery, Humble Area Assistance Ministries (HAAM), and East Harris County Empowerment Council. Navigators’ locations and contact information will be listed at HarrisCountyRelief.org when the application opens.
The program qualifications are the same as before: applicants must live within Harris County (inside or outside City of Houston limits), be 18 years or older, must have experienced pandemic-related economic hardship, must not exceed the maximum financial threshold (a member of the household must receive public assistance, or the total household income must be less than 60% of the HUD Area Median Family Income). Also, due to federal requirements, at least one adult member of the household must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, refugee, or other qualified noncitizen.
FAQs, the application (available when the program opens on September 8), and information on navigator agencies to help people apply are at HarrisCountyRelief.org. Also, people with questions may call (832) 345-6289 Monday –Friday 9am–6pm and Saturday 10am–2pm.