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Hi Friends,
I hope you are having a good August. I want to share some information about rental assistance resources with you. Everyone deserves to have a roof over their head and basic living materials.
We can do more to help our neighbors, which is why I voted for the American Rescue Plan, Build Back Better Act, and the bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve affordable housing throughout South Texas.
I also led a letter to Secretary Yellen with my colleagues Congressmen Colin Allred (TX-32) and Henry Cuellar (TX-28) urging the Treasury Department to reconsider the impact of denying Emergency Rental Assistance reallocation funding to Hidalgo County, the City of Garland, and Webb County. Congress established the Emergency Rental Assistance program to equip local governments to offer support to eligible families struggling to pay rent or utilities. Bringing resources to our region and to help South Texans remains my top priority.
Below is a list of both local, state, and national rental assistance programs and resources. My offices stand ready to help, if you are having trouble with a federal agency or have any questions, please call my office at (956) 682-5545.
LOCAL RESOURCES
McAllen Housing Authority
2301 Jasmine Avenue
McAllen, Texas, 78501
(956) 686-3951
Section 8 housing and low-income apartments are managed. Waiting lists are used.
DFPS Adult Protective Services (APS)
1919 Austin Ave
McAllen, Texas, 78501
(956) 682-1301
Emergency financial aid and government grants can be used for rent, utilities, and more if a child is at risk.
Advocacy Resource Center for Housing
Main office - 2507 Buddy Owens
McAllen, Texas
Telephone - (956) 631-4277
Community Development Corporation of McAllen
P.O. Box 220
McAllen, TX 78505
Call (956) 972-7241 for referrals.
UCP - Urban County Program
1916 Tesoro Blvd.
Pharr, TX 78577
Phone - (956) 787-8127
The non-profit may have information on government grant programs for housing and rental needs.
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement, which is based at 1715 E. Pike Blvd. in Weslaco, may have referrals to rapid rehousing for the homeless. Call (956) 447-0600.
City offices can refer low-income families and those in poverty to housing solutions. These range from shelters to possible financial help for rental expenses and more. City of Edinburg residents can dial (956) 388-8206), City of McAllen residents can dial (956) 681-3200 or if you reside in the City of Mission, call (956) 580-8675.
Emergency Solutions grants (ESG) and homeless prevention services can help tenants avoid an eviction. Federal government grants can help pay back rent or other housing costs, such as water bills. Clients to the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) may be low-income families, single parents, immigrants, and others. Find emergency money for rent or deposits as well as legal aid. Learn more on Hidalgo County homeless prevention.
Community Action – Services of Hidalgo County
2524 N Closner Blvd
Edinburg, Texas 78541
Call (956) 383-6240
They are a leading poverty fighting organization. Information is available on low-income housing, employment, and emergency programs for rent and other bills.
Hidalgo County Veterans Service Office – Broken Arrow Financial Assistance Grant
10213 N. 10th St.
Ste B.
McAllen, Texas 78504
956-292-7076
This grant is for eligible veterans residing in Hidalgo County with all discharge types, including Other Than Dishonorable.
Warrior Assistance Program - Texas Tropical Behavioral Health
Rental assistance available for qualifying veterans and their families.
Mortgage Assistance Program - ENDEAVORS
1130 Pecan Blvd.
McAllen, TX 78501
956-278-0751
The Community Housing Assistance Program- Texas Emergency Mortgage Program is now offering funds to Texans who are recovering from the financial impacts of COVID-19. Funded by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, granted funds will provide aid to eligible individuals and families who are struggling to pay their mortgages. Mortgage assistance payments will be available to households whose incomes are at or below 80% or less of Area Median Income.
STATE RESOURCES
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
TDHCA assistance and funds go to local provider organizations, NOT individuals directly. TDHCA does not accept applications from individuals.
Texas Rent Relief Program (TDHCA)
To contact the Texas Rent Relief program, please call 1-833-9TX-RENT (1-833-989-7368). The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) created the Texas Rent Relief program to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities).
Texas Housing Assistance
Low-income residents may be eligible to get help paying rent.
Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
HUD helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants.
Local Rent Assistance
City and county rent assistance programs for Texas.
Rent Assistance Directory Texas
An online directory of rental assistance programs in Texas.
NATIONAL RESOURCES
National Low Income Housing Coalition
The Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program includes an unprecedented amount of funding for emergency rental assistance to help renters stay stably housed.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program – U.S. Department of Treasury
The Emergency Rental Assistance program makes funding available to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities.
NCSHA – Emergency Rental Assistance
Congress recently authorized more than $45 billion in emergency aid for renters and $10 billion for homeowners.
Rural Rental Assistance
Used to reduce the rent paid by low-income families who live in eligible Rural Rental Housing (RRH) and Farm Labor Housing (FLH) projects financed by the Rural Housing Service.
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Multi-Family Rental Assistance
USDA provides financing to elderly, disabled, or low-income rural residents in multi-unit housing complexes to ensure that they are able to make rent payments.
Sincerely,
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
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