Thursday, December 3, 2020

Final Call for Applications of RENT Assistance Program to Help Residents With COVID-Related Income Loss



For immediate release: December 3, 2020
Contact:  Jorge Ortega, 512-974-2743, Jorge.Ortega@austintexas.gov

 

Final Call for Applications of RENT Assistance Program to Help Residents With COVID-Related Income Loss
Final selection of applicants will commit the remaining $12.9 million program funding; Deadline to apply Tuesday, December 8. 

La versión en español sigue a continuación -- haga clic aquí para español

Austin, TX — The City of Austin today announced that it is expected to commit the remaining $12.9 million of Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance program funding with the next round of randomly selected applicants. The deadline for income-eligible Austin renters who have experienced a COVID-19-related income loss to submit applications is Tuesday, December 8th at 11:59 AM with the random selection taking place shortly thereafter. 

"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, HACA President and CEO. "We strongly encourage any low-income Austin renters who need rental assistance or are at risk of eviction to apply for this program by Tuesday, December 8th at noon."  

Since August, the City's Housing and Planning Department (HPD) and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) have partnered to disburse over $10.1 million in rent assistance. These funds have helped over 3,000 Austin families (approx. 6,000 family members) avoid eviction and stay safe in their homes. This significant milestone signals expending the last of the $12.9 million available program funds before the end of December 2020.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for assistance before the last random selection of applications scheduled on Tuesday, December 8 at 11:59 A.M. Assistance for applying is available. Those who apply by 11:59 A.M. will be considered in the random selection soon thereafter. 

RENT Assistance Program Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must live within Austin's full purpose jurisdiction;
  • Applicant household gross annual income must be 80 percent or less of the Median Family Income (See income chart below);
  • 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,
  • Applicants must provide documentation showing that you have experienced a COVID-19-related income loss (e.g. paystubs, unemployment notice, etc.).
To apply, visit the RENT Application Portal. Applicants should submit applications before noon on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.
 
For additional information, including instructions, a how-to video, frequently asked questions, and application assistance, 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. Central-Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Individuals needing hearing or speech accessibility using TDD or TYY technology may call Texas Relay Services by dialing 7-1-1 for assistance.

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Última Oportunidad Del Programa de Asistencia para Alivio de Necesidades de Emergencia para Inquilinos (RENT) de la Ciudad de Austin
La última selection de aplicacions utilizará la subvención completa de $12.9 millones; El plazo es el martes, 8 de diciembre.

Austin, TX — La Ciudad de Austin anunció hoy que se espera que asigne los $ 12.9 millones restantes de fondos del programa de Asistencia para Alivio de Necesidades de Emergencia para Inquilinos (RENT) con la próxima selección de solicitantes. El plazo para solicitantes que califiquen según sus ingresos y que hayan sido afectados por el COVID-19 es el martes, 8 de diciembre antes del mediodía con la selección final de aplicaciones poco después.

Desde agosto, el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario de la Ciudad de Austin (HPD, en inglés) y la Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Austin (HACA) han repartido más de $ 10.1 millones en asistencia. Los fondos han aydado más de 3,000 familias de Austin (aproximadamente 6,000 personas) a evitar el desalojo y mantenerse seguras en sus hogares. Este importante acontecimiento asigne los $ 12.9 millones restantes de fondos del programa antes del fin de deciembre del año 2020.

Requisitos de elegibilidad:
  • Vivir dentro de la jurisdicción de propósito completo de la ciudad de Austin;
  • Tener un ingreso familiar total de menos del 80% del Ingreso familiar promedio (MFI) local actualmente (Vea la tabla de ingresos a continuación);

  • Estar actualmente en un contrato de arrendamiento o en una relación contractual;
  • No ser beneficiarios de otros programas de alquiler subsidiados por el gobierno federal;
  • No ser un estudiante de tiempo completo cuyo alquiler lo paga otra persona; y,
  • Tenga documentación que demuestre que experimentó una pérdida de ingresos relacionada con COVID-19 (p.ej., cheque de pago, aviso de desempleo, etc.).
Para aplicar, visite el RENT sitio web. El plaza para solicitudes es el 8 de diciembre antes del mediodía.
 
Los solicitantes con preguntas o que necesiten más información pueden visitar www.AustinTexas.gov/RENT, enviar un correo electrónico a AustinRENT@cvrassociates.com o llamar al Centro de Llamadas de RENT al 512-488-1397 de lunes a viernes entre las 8 a.m. y las 6 p.m, hora del centro.