Application For Second Round of $30 Million COVID Relief Fund for Struggling Families to Open September 8th

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Application For Second Round of $30 Million COVID Relief Fund for Struggling Families to Open September 8th
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.
Harris County Small Business Fund to Accept Applications for Grants Starting September 20th
COVID-19 has hit our small businesses hard, and many are still struggling to recover. The Harris County Small Business Relief Fund will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible small businesses to help with business-related expenses, including payroll, working capital, business rent, inventory, supplies, equipment, and other operating costs. The application for grants will open from September 20th until October 4th. To share information and answer any questions on how to apply, the Fund will host three virtual informational sessions on qualifications and the application process on September 8th at 9 a.m., September 13th at 6 p.m., and September 23rd at 12 p.m. Visit HarrisCountyBusinessRelief.org now to RSVP for the info sessions and for more information on how to apply.