Act Fast: Bexar County’s COVID Homeowner Support Wrapping Up

Time is of the essence for Texas homeowners grappling with financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs dropped a time-sensitive bombshell on Friday, September 1, announcing plans to phase out the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) grant program within a few weeks, according to a press release by Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector Albert Uresti.

While the announcement lacked a specific termination date, the estimated time window given for the program’s conclusion was “two to four weeks.” Given this tightening timeframe, Uresti has issued an urgent call to homeowners: Apply online now while there’s still a chance.

Let’s dig into the details. The HAF program, designed as a federal lifeline for homeowners in the COVID-19 era, offers a maximum of $65,000 per qualified household to address overdue property taxes, mortgage payments, and utility bills. Notably, a sum of up to $10,000 from the grant can be allocated specifically for utility expenses. “If you’re a homeowner in distress due to the pandemic, it’s crucial to act swiftly. These are grants, not loans, meaning there’s zero obligation to pay them back,” emphasized Uresti in the press release.

The HAF grants are part of a larger effort called Operation Home Rescue – Tax Assessor Style (OHR), a Bexar County initiative. So far, OHR has channeled over $70 million from HAF into the hands of 7,000 local families, substantiating its vital role in helping homeowners stay in their homes, which is at the core of the Tax Assessor’s mission.

For homeowners eager to seize this dwindling opportunity, the application process is streamlined and user-friendly. Simply log onto the Texas Homeowner Assistance program portal online to get started. Alternatively, you can make a personal visit to the downtown tax office situated at 233 N. Pecos La Trinidad, San Antonio, TX 78207. For those opting for the in-person route, the office operates from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. After the estimated two to four weeks, both the online portal and the office will cease accepting new applications for the HAF program.

Need more information or have specific questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out at (833) 651-3874, as indicated in the news release. Given the rapidly closing window, now is the moment to take proactive steps to safeguard your home and financial well-being.