- Rental assistance programs prevent homelessness or help with initiating a new lease. Long-term subsidies, emergency payments or security deposit and first month rental payments help Texans achieve stability, prevent eviction or obtain housing. Long-term assistance is handled by the department of housing in each county. For example, the cities of Lubbock, Dallas and Houston each have a housing authority that manage rental assistance programs. Emergency rental assistance programs make a one-time payment for people who are facing eviction. Programs are managed at the city and county level and require proof of eviction proceedings, income and resources. Security deposit and first months rent assistance offers a one-time payment for new lease agreements. Several faith-based organizations in Texas, such as the Memorial Assistance Ministries and the Humble Area Assistance Ministries, also offer rental help. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) can direct applicants to resources in their city (see Resources).
- Texas administers two programs that assist households with energy hardship. The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program makes a one-time payment to electricity, gas and water companies to prevent the shutoff of utilities. The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income applicants by upgrading or installing weatherization materials. The TDHCA can provide information about contacting local program administrators for an application. The programs place a cap on assistance, which addresses the amount payable and the number of times an applicant can receive assistance. Applicants may need to enroll in a budget program with the utility company and pay a portion of the late bill.
- Texas mortgage assistance programs provide help with foreclosure counseling, the down payment on a home, closing costs or obtaining a loan. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approves housing counseling agencies to assist people facing foreclosure. Furthermore, HUD administers the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program, which offers a "bridge" loan to individuals who have suffered a 15 percent decrease in income through no fault of their own. HUD offers the program to 32 states, including Texas, and applicants can speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor for details. The first-time home buyer program offers an "assisted loan" at a rate slightly above the current market rate, according to THDCA. This program helps applicants who meet the income guidelines to purchase a home.
- Applicants for utility assistance must meet the income guidelines. Eligible applicants earn income at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines at the time of publication. Priority is given to applicants based on their income, disability or elderly status, family composition and energy cost versus income for utility programs. Long-term, emergency and first month and security deposit assistance require the submission of information on income, resources, citizenship and household composition. Typically, applicants must provide birth certificates, identification cards, pay stubs, child support orders, bank statements and other documentation during the application process.
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