Texas Homeowner Assistance Program
Texas Homeowner Assistance Program for Hurricane Harvey Affected Areas
Introduction
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush has unveiled the commencement of applications for the Homeowner Assistance Program across all eligible counties impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has secured $1.098 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to aid in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of owner-occupied single-family homes ravaged by the hurricane.
Program Details
Commissioner Bush emphasized the significance of this initiative, labeling it as the largest single program aimed at rejuvenating the lives of thousands of Texas families affected by Hurricane Harvey. This substantial allocation is tailored to cater to the needs of homeowners in Harris County, including the city of Houston, who can access similar programs funded through direct allocations.
Application Process
Prospective applicants are urged to review the Homeowner Assistance Program Checklist to ensure they have all requisite documents prepared before initiating the application process. Applications can be submitted online via the Texas General Land Office website, or individuals can opt to download and print the application for submission. For those seeking in-person assistance, regional Homeowner Assistance Program offices are available throughout the affected areas. Furthermore, each county will host at least one application drop-off location or satellite office, with plans for additional satellite offices and application intake points to be announced in the future. For guidance and support, interested parties can contact the program via email or phone.
Regional Allocation
To facilitate the equitable distribution of funds across the 48 eligible counties, the GLO has organized allocations into six distinct regions. The majority of funds are directed towards the most severely impacted counties and zip codes within each region, in accordance with HUD requirements. Each region will retain its allocation until all available funds are disbursed to eligible homeowners within their respective areas.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants may qualify for assistance within their region if they meet specific criteria, including homeownership, primary residence status, and substantial property damage or destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey. Applications will be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, adhering to the outlined priorities in the Regional Housing Guidelines.
Conclusion
The Homeowner Assistance Program signifies a crucial step towards rebuilding communities and restoring stability for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. With robust funding and a streamlined application process, Texas aims to provide vital support to homeowners in their journey toward recovery and resilience.
