COVID-19 RENTAL ASSISTANCE

CARES ACT FUNDING EXPANSION (CAFE’)

Administered by the Harris County Community Services Department

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The CARES ACT FUNDING EXPANSION (CAFE’) is an expansion of Harris County’s emergency rental and mortgage assistance services in response to the health and economic crisis created by the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic.  The CAFE’ program expands on the mission to mitigate the negative economic impact on Harris County households by providing emergency financial assistance to prevent eviction and support housing stabilization for the County’s most vulnerable low-income families.

The CAFE’ program will provide emergency financial assistance for rent and mortgage assistance to eligible Harris County residents impacted by the COVID-19 virus.  The program will offer up to six (6) consecutive months of rental and mortgage assistance for County residents that have experienced a reduction and/or loss of income, and/or health impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE?

Click here to complete online

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Household must have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
• Reside within Harris County Service Area (outside the cities of Houston, Baytown & Pasadena)  See list of neighborhoods
• Rent an apartment, townhome, condominium or house in the Harris County Service area
• If applying for mortgage assistance, home must be located in the Harris County Service area
• Landlord/Property Manager must be willing to work with the program
• Proof of residence (lease agreement – pages needed to establish rent, valid residency dates and occupancy/mortgage statement)
• Vacate notice and copy of lease/mortgage statement showing amount due.  Applicant must provide copy of lease agreement/mortgage statement or verification by property management or lender showing client’s name on lease or mortgage.  If landlord is unable to provide a vacate notice, landlord may provide a ledger or letter stating amount due.
• Must sign a self-attestation form of COVID-19 impact
• An IRS – W9 form and Harris County Vendor Information Form (forms to be completed and provided by landlord/apartment manager, mortgage company or hotel/motel)
• Household income must be below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI – See Income Eligibility Requirements below)

INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (80% AMI)

• 1 Person  $44,350
• 2 Person   $50,700
• 3 Person   $57,050
• 4 Person   $63,350
• 5 Person   $68,450
• 6 Person   $73,500
• 7 Person   $78,600
• 8 Person   $83,650

INCOME VERIFICATION:

• Household Income at 0 – 60% of AMI – client completes a Self-Certification Form
• Household Income at 60% – 80% of AMI – income must be verified (last 30 days of income; review of income includes loss of income and unemployment benefits as a factor).
• Income eligible if Household has 6 or less members and Head of Household is receiving SNAP, LIHEAP or SSI/Medicaid benefits
• Customers receiving benefits for low-income residents automatically qualify for benefits (ex: SNAPS, SSI, Gold Card, etc.). In these cases, verification of income is not required.

 

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