Texas reopens applications for rent reduction program

(CBSNewsTexas.com) “There is good news for Texans who need help paying their rent and utility bills.

The Texas Department of Housing and Public Affairs announces that they are once again accepting applications for the Texas Rent Assistance Program.

Calvin Brown, CEO of the Dallas Housing Crisis Center, says the need for rental assistance is still high.

“What COVID has increased for us is simply the number of people who were already at risk of being homeless, who were on the same paycheck from not being able to pay rent, mortgage or utility bills,” Brown said.

The Housing Crisis Center offers a rent and utility assistance program.

This year alone, Brown says they have received 1,600 calls from people needing help. He knows firsthand what it’s like for families – he experienced homelessness as a child.

“I’m very surprised that the demand for it is still so high,” Brown said. “You might think that the fact that our agency has allocated more than a million dollars over the past two or three years, at least for our immediate environment, would have been less, there would have been less demand, but this was not at all the case. “

Now there is more help for those in need. The TRR program has reopened the application process for Texans who need help paying rent and utility bills.

$96 million is available, but application deadlines are limited: March 14 to March 28.

“I’m glad to hear that they are a resource as we continue to help people, if we can’t help them we can refer them to them,” Brown said.

The TRR App Portal had so many applications on Tuesday that it collapsed.

Some users were unable to launch a new application and experienced loading delays. TRR said their team worked throughout the day to fix the issues. Later that day, a message was posted on the TRR website stating that the issues had been resolved and that users who were unable to access the app earlier should try again.

First-time applicants may be eligible for assistance with paying rent and utility bills for up to 18 months. Returning applicants who have not yet received the maximum allowable assistance within 18 months may apply for additional funding. Applicants facing eviction will have priority.

But money can run out quickly.

“I think $96 million is going to go very quickly based on what I know and what we have seen,” Brown said.

To apply for rent or utility bill assistance under the program, click here. Eligible households will be able to apply on this website until Tuesday, March 28 at 11:59 pm.