All applications, regardless of when they are submitted, will continue to be given equal chance in the selection process. Since August, the City’s Housing and Planning Department (HPD) and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) have partnered to distribute $12.9 million in rental assistance through January 2021 to Austin renters impacted financially by COVID-19. Find Out How COVID-19 Is Impacting All Aspects of Home Buying With OpenDoor.com Mar 9, 2021 A recent survey revealed the behaviors of home buyers and sellers across generations. Texas is making $11.3 million available for rental assistance for those who are. "The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a significant financial strain on many Texans, and the Texas Rent Relief Program will provide an incredible lifeline to households in need of assistance on their rent and utility payments," said Governor Abbott. Copyright 2021 Nexstar Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The new program comes after a separate state initiative was criticized for its limited scope and because many landlords declined to participate. This includes rent that is due now, rent that is overdue and future rent during this time period. Once Tuesday’s deadline passes, the random selection process will take place. However, the City Council will consider a $15 million program Wednesday “to provide Houston’s low-to-moderate income residents rental assistance in the wake of the COVID … The White House says Biden plans to sign it on Friday. The county is receiving $10.7 million in federal relief funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, designated for an emergency rental assistance program, or ERAP. Texas school campuses remain closed through May 4, and while the city and county’s original shelter-at-home order is set to expire on April 13, County Judge Sarah Eckhardt told county commissioners on April 7 that she expects another to be put in place April 14. City Council approved a resolution… County approves millions toward emergency rental assistance. paystubs, unemployment notice, etc. State officials plan to roll out a $1.3 billion rental assistance program for Texans struggling to keep up with housing payments during a shaky economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Greg Abbott. Since August, the City’s Housing and Planning Department (HPD) and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) have partnered to distribute $12.9 million in rental assistance through January 2021 to Austin renters impacted financially by COVID-19. The program is for income-eligible Austin renters that live within the city limits and are financially impacted by COVID … Assistance cannot pay for rent deposits or late fees. Application Process Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the seven Travis County Community Centers' offices are closed to the public, except for food pantries, which are available by appointment. All funds have been expended and the program is now complete. The city then will choose people at random. Greg Abbott's order to lift those protocols Wednesday statewide. Austin Public Health (APH) has published a color-coded chart to help residents of Austin-Travis County understand the stages of risk and provide recommendations on what people should do to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. AUSTIN, Texas — The City of Austin announced on July 21 a $17 million rental assistance program for residents impacted by COVID-19. To apply for rent and utility assistance, you can access an application by selecting your community center. © 1998 - 2021 Nexstar Inc. | All Rights Reserved. DATA: There are 5,286 active COVID-19 cases in the KXAN viewing area as of Tuesday, DATA: 20 percent of Texans have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Travis County reports 1,661 active COVID-19 cases, 749 deaths, Hays County has 559 active coronavirus cases, 221 COVID-19-related deaths, Williamson County reports 2,420 active coronavirus cases, 401 deaths, Bastrop County has 806 active cases of coronavirus, 80 deaths, Blanco County has 70 active COVID-19 cases and 18 deaths, Caldwell County has 543 active cases of COVID-19, 87 deaths, Fayette County has 53 COVID-19 deaths; 180 active cases, Gillespie County reporting 47 active cases of coronavirus, 48 deaths, Lampasas County has 231 active cases of COVID-19; 30 deaths, Lee County confirms 210 active cases of COVID-19 in area and 36 deaths, Llano County has 163 active COVID-19 cases; 48 deaths, Mason County reports 17 active cases of COVID-19 and 5 deaths, Milam County has 35 active COVID-19 cases, 39 deaths, LIST: Where to register for COVID-19 vaccine waitlists in Central Texas, 1 in 5 in Central Texas won’t wear a mask starting Wednesday, majority will mask up ‘for a long time’, People threaten to call ICE on staff of Houston Mexican restaurant after choice to keep mask requirement, Which grocery stores will require masks — and which won’t, Which fitness gyms in Texas will require masks — and which won’t. AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rent help will soon be on the way for about a thousand Austin residents struggling during the pandemic. It’s money that can be used to pay up to 100% of the cost of rent, security deposit payments and utility bills. Share ideas online about improving Austin. AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has launched a program aimed at assisting Texans with rent and … Rental Assistance Family Support Services provides emergency financial assistance with rent (including first month's rent and rent for transitional housing), and mortgage payments. The Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program provided up to six months of full rent payment for income-eligible Austin renters who experienced a COVID-19-related income loss. ... Nearly 11,000 applied for Austin rent assistance … The City of Austin says fewer people have applied for rental assistance than expected. September 25, 2020 | Austin, Texas | Press Release Governor Greg Abbott today announced the allocation of over $171 million in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which will primarily be used for targeted rental assistance for Texans at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction. Deadline to apply for Austin's coronavirus-related rent assistance is Tuesday In August, the City announced that $12.9 million in rental assistance would … Individuals needing hearing or speech accessibility using TDD or TTY technology may call Texas Relay Services by dialing 7-1-1 for assistance. Related Stories. It's given out just $1.3 million so far of roughly $13 million available for tenants hit financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more on the COVID … Households that have a gross income of 80% or less than the median family income and live in Austin’s full jurisdiction are qualified to apply for the assistance. "The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a significant financial strain on many Texans, and the Texas Rent Relief Program will provide an incredible lifeline to households in need of assistance … Austin Rental Assistance Program. AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is threatening to sue the City of Austin, after the city decided to keep its mask mandate and COVID-19 orders in place despite Gov. Applicants must provide documentation showing that you have experienced a COVID-19-related income loss (e.g. “The RENT program has helped thousands of local families to avoid eviction for non-payment of rent, allowing them to stay in their homes where they can be safe during the pandemic,” said Michael Gerber, Housing Authority of the City of Austin president and CEO. To date, the city’s Housing and Planning Department along with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin have given out more than $10 million in assistance since August to more than 3,000 families, the city said. COVID-19 Wrap-Up: When will people be able to schedule appointments through APH for 2nd vaccine doses? Find out where to look for federal, state, and local rent help here. Due to COVID-19, the Texas Rent Relief program was created by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) in order to provide Texas tenants with financial assistance for rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities). The biggest chunk of the $17 million budget will go to providing direct assistance to tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions about rent payments, you can call the Austin Tenants Council at (512) 474-7006. In August, the City of Austin and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) will launch the Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants Assistance Program . The city’s Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants rental assistance program has nearly $13 million available to help income-eligible Austinites pay for housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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The Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program provided up to six months of full rent payment for income-eligible Austin renters who experienced a COVID-19-related income loss. But in order to be eligible for Austin’s emergency rental assistance program, you have to file your application by 11:59 a.m. Tuesday and meet specific income requirements. AUSTIN (KXAN) — The family of a man found dead in an abandoned Maserati almost two years ago is now suing the City of Austin. ). The same month they got sick they applied to the City of Austin’s rent assistance program. "I urge qualifying households to apply for this program once applications open on February 15th. Austin Public Health. … Antonio attached copies of the family’s positive COVID-19 tests and a letter explaining the wages they’d lost. COVID-19. TDHCA began accepting applications from landlords and tenants on February 15, 2021. The City of Austin is announcing changes to expand the Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program for income-eligible Austin renters who have experienced a COVID-19-related income loss. “We strongly encourage any low-income Austin renters who need rental assistance or are at risk of eviction to apply for this program.”. These adjustments announced today are the result of ongoing program evaluations to ensure funding is being distributed efficiently and is best meeting the needs of income-eligible households. Applicants must be currently on a lease or in a contractually bound rental relationship; Applicants must not be already receiving federal rental assistance; Applicants must not be a full-time student whose rent is paid by someone else; and. Gov. "You and local health authorities have until 6:00pm today to rescind any mask mandates or business-operating restrictions and come into full compliance with GA-34," Paxton wrote on Twitter Wednesday. COVID-19 Risk-Based Guidelines. On this page you will find: Help for renters, homeowners, and small landlords Help for people experiencing homelessness Temporary housing for essential workers Hotel rooms for healthcare workers Help for renters, homeowners, and small landlords The Tenant, … For further information visit www.austintexas.gov/RENT, email AustinRENT@cvrassociates.com or call the RENT Call Center at 512-488-1397 between  8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. “The need that was anticipated has not manifested. Stimulus checks approved: How much will you get and when will you get it? 23-year-old Isaiah Hutchinson, the man found in the vehicle, had been involved in an officer-involved shooting earlier the same day. AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two people were treated by medics after a "possible dog attack" at the Walnut Creek Park trail Wednesday afternoon, according to a tweet from Austin-Travis County EMS. The City of Austin is preparing a second round of rental assistance for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this time from a pot of roughly $13 million in federal and local funds, which it expects to give out over at least five months. House lawmakers Wednesday gave final approval to President Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, sending the legislation to Biden's desk for his signature. "Otherwise, on behalf of the State of Texas, I will sue you.". The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a substantial impact on Austin. ATCEMS says the incident happened around 2:13 p.m. about a half-mile onto the north Austin trail. AUSTIN, Texas — Central Texas Interfaith (CTI) is calling on Austin city leaders to allocate $40 million to help renters struggling during the COVID-19 crisis. For the exact dollar amount, the city provided this chart that shows the maximum eligible income depending on how many people live in the home: For example, if a household of four has a gross income of $78,100 or less, they are qualified to apply for the RENT program, the city says. The Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program provided up to six months of full rent payment for income-eligible Austin renters who experienced a COVID-19-related income loss. The city will move more of its federal aid for Covid-19 relief toward direct assistance for residents, with a total of $70 million now dedicated to rental relief, food aid and direct payments to individuals. Coronavirus’s toll on Austin. "The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a significant financial strain on many Texans, and the Texas Rent Relief Program will provide an incredible lifeline to households in need of assistance … All funds have been expended and the program is now complete. Rent relief is available for those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. California is protecting people experiencing homelessness during coronavirus and preventing others from losing their homes. Households will be allowed a one-time certification of eligibility (instead of monthly) at the time applications are submitted. Effective immediately, the RENT Assistance Program will: Potential applicants should visit the RENT Application Portal for instructions, a how-to video, frequently asked questions, and application assistance. Some coastal cities are sinking as sea levels rise, new study shows, Williamson County approves $10M in grants for small businesses in some industries, Fatal crash on SH-71 near Lakeway causes significant delays Wednesday, Texans who get abortions could face death penalty if proposed bill passed, Taylor resident claims $1 million scratch ticket prize. AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rent help will soon be on the way for about a thousand Austin residents struggling during the pandemic. To qualify, residents must prove the coronavirus has affected their income. The House voted 220 … Abbott announced Feb. 9 that the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs has launched the Texas Rent Relief Program, created to administer more than $1 billion allocated to … Conduct random selection drawings at noon every Friday through the end of the year, or until the funds are expended. Provide up to six months of full contracted rent payment for rent incurred between March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. And if you have legal questions for MacGeorge, you can find her … All funds have been expended and the program is now complete. Williamson County with its partners Family Hospital Systems and Curative are operating COVID-19 vaccination sites in Williamson County! RENT offers temporary rental assistance to Austinites living within the City of Austin, and who are experiencing a COVID-19 related income loss.