Families who have suffered financial setbacks as a result of COVID-related layoffs and wage reductions are still struggling to catch up. Last month, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner’s Court pledged an additional $30 million to the Harris County Recovery Assistance (HCRA) relief fund, which finished its first application period on August 11th and received 194,000 applicants. The next application period will open September 8th through September 12th at
HarrisCountyRelief.org, and will roll over applicants from the first application period, as well as accept new applicants. This second round of the HCRA will award one-time payments of $1,500 to 20,000 struggling Harris County families.
“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.”
To qualify for the program, applicants must live within Harris County (inside or outside City of Houston limits), be 18 years or older, demonstrate pandemic-related economic hardship, and 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. The program is open to renters and homeowners alike.
For more information and to apply, please visit
HarrisCountyRelief.org. You can also call 832-345-6289 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
