Amid efforts to confront the impacts of the COVID-19 virus, both local and federal agencies are working to lessen the impact on vulnerable households facing eviction or displacement.  Neighborhood Housing and Community Development (NHCD) provides this resource for assistance.

NHCD is working with community agencies to deploy funding to assist households impacted by COVID-19.  This information is updated as of March 30, 2020.  We will update and expand on this information as more resources become available.

HELP PAYING RENT/EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

There are local programs that provide temporary, emergency financial assistance in the form of grants or loans for utilities, rental expenses and mortgage payments.  However, even in extreme circumstances, tenants are legally required to pay their rent.  The City of Austin did not waive your monthly rent obligation.  Not paying your rent could put you at greater financial risk.  Contact your landlord for potential payment options if you are unable to pay in full when your rent is due.

The Texas Apartment Association has advised landlords to offer tenants payment plans and temporarily waive late fees. However, individual landlords determine their own policies.  Make sure that any rental-deferment agreement is in writing and—if possible—is reviewed by an attorney.

Austin’s local community programs that normally focus on ongoing housing services for elderly, disabled individuals or homeless populations are re-tooling in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, though many already have waiting lists. Agencies prefer contact by phone or email and are not accepting walk-ins to ensure the safety of community members.

Organizations to consider for assistance:

• Catholic Charities of Central Texas(512) 651-6100
• St. Matthew's Episcopal Church(512) 345-8314
• St. Vincent de Paul, St. Austin's Catholic Church Submit by email at gethelp@staustin.org.
• Travis County Family Support Services Division(512) 267-3245
• Salvation Army(512) 476-1111
• AIDS Services of Austin (512) 458-2437
• Family Eldercare (populations served are seniors and adults with disabilities) (512) 450-0844
• LifeWorks(ages 24 and below) (512) 473-9125

INFORMATION ABOUT LATE RENT PAYMENTS AND EVICTIONS

On March 26, 2020, the Austin City Council adopted an ordinance that applies when a tenant is unable to pay rent on time because the tenant lost wages, income, or revenue or incurs delinquent payments due to the local disaster from now until May 8th and the landlord wants to evict the tenant. The ordinance requires a landlord to give the tenant a “Notice of Proposed Eviction” that includes:

• at the top of the first page, in 16-point font, bold typeface, and underlined, a statement that says “A NOTICE OF PROPOSED EVICTION AND OPPORTUNITY TO PAY TO AVOID EVICTION – THIS NOTICE DOES NOT EXCUSE YOUR OBLIGATION TO PAY AND YOU CAN BE EVICTED IF YOU FAIL TO PAY BY THE PAYMENT DEADLINE BELOW.”;
• a right for the impacted tenant to respond, which includes curing any delinquent payments; and
• the time period to respond, which must be at least 60 days.

If the landlord is required to provide a “Notice of Proposed Eviction”, the landlord may not give a “Notice to Vacate” until after the “Notice of Proposed Eviction” is provided and the time period to respond passes.

The Texas Supreme Court suspended eviction proceedings until April 19th, except in situations where there is an imminent threat of harm or criminal activity. The Travis County Justice of the Peace (JP) courts suspended their eviction proceedings until May 8th. 

Austin Tenant's Counciloffers counseling to prepare for and understand the eviction process, including assisting tenants in asserting their rights when fighting eviction. You call them at (512) 474-1961.

HELP PAYING UTILITIES

Austin Energy and Austin Water have suspended utility disconnections due to unpaid bills for electricity, water, trash collection and recycling. Those who have trouble paying a utility bill can get on a deferred-payment plan or receive direct financial assistance from the City.  This coincides with the Texas Public Utility Commission banning disconnections of water and power service for Texans financially impacted by COVID-19 and put them on deferred payment plans.

In addition, the Austin Financial Support Plus 1 Program partners with local churches and nonprofits to arrange for funding assistance.  Go to the Financial Support Plus 1 website or call the Customer Care Contact Center at (512) 494-9400 for more information.

HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS, MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE AND PROPERTY TAXES

Mortgage Assistance

If you are unable to make your mortgage payment, it is advised that you contact your Mortgage Lender for options.  FHA-insured mortgages are under a moratorium for foreclosures of at least 60 days. For other mortgages, there are a number of resources including financial counseling, negotiating payment options with mortgage lenders, and federal foreclosure prevention programs that may help.

If you have a mortgage guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible for reduced or suspended mortgage payments for up to 12 months if you've been impacted by COVID-19. Reference the links below for more information on assistance for homeowners and guidance for lenders and servicers.

• Fannie Mae's Assistance Options for Homeowners Impacted by COVID-19
• Freddie Mac's Assistance Options for Homeowners Impacted by COVID-19

In addition, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced the suspension of foreclosures and evictions for 60 days for FHA-insured and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac-backed mortgages.

• HUD's Statement on Homeowner Relief
• FHFA Suspends Foreclosures and Evictions

Property Taxes

The Travis County Tax Office is temporarily stopping any new legal actions against those with delinquent property taxes (however, state penalties and interest continue to accrue). Property owners who need to set up a payment plan for property taxes, or need to renegotiate a current payment plan, can call the Travis County Tax Office at 512-854-9473 or email  TaxOffice@TravisCountyTX.gov and to learn more about available programs, such as homesteads property tax deferrals for those age 65 and older, and for disabled persons and veterans.

HOMELESSNESS SERVICES

Austin has several community organizations that assist persons experiencing homelessness.  Austin Public Health Homeless Assistance (APH)manages partnerships and provides funding to social service providers to serve homeless individuals and families with outreach and navigation, emergency shelter services, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention, and planning with the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition.

The first step to access services is to complete a Coordinated Entry survey, which helps you find housing by identifying, assessing your current housing situation, and connecting you to housing support services and a case manager to help you find housing.

Especially as we confront the COVID-19 health crisis, please keep in mind that completing the housing assessment does not guarantee housing, nor does it serve as a housing waitlist or a housing application.  There is no fixed timeline of when an agency may contact you for housing, but it will keep searching for a program until a housing opportunity is identified, or an application is withdrawn. 

Emergency Shelter Providers

This information can also be found on the city’s main COVID-19 website at www.austintexas.gov/COVID19, the Neighborhood Housing and Community Development website at www.austintexas.gov/housing, and further resources can be found on the www.connectatx.org webpage. 

NHCD will update and expand on this information as more resources become available.