The City of Houston and Harris County are working together to provide an additional $13 million in eviction intervention assistance to families that are in active eviction, due to unpaid rent resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are in active eviction, visit HoustonHarrisHelp.org/eviction-intervention/ to apply. 

The general Emergency Rental Assistance Program is no longer accepting applications. 

Click here or call 833-492-0094 for resources to help deal with the loss of a loved one from COVID-19.

COVID-19 Behavioral Health Line: (833) 251-7544

New three-digit number to the Suicide Prevention information: 9-8-8

For information on childcare options in Houston and the Gulf Coast region, please visit www.findchildcarenow.org.

Contact Lone Star Legal Aid at (713) 652-0077 or Houston Volunteer Lawyers at (713) 228-0735 for free legal information and advice on the following topics. You may also qualify for free representation. Houston Volunteer Lawyers is able to represent you regardless of your immigration status.

Foreclosures
If you have missed house or car payments, lawyers can provide legal advice and assistance to avoid foreclosure.

Wills and End of Life Planning
Wills and legal documents make it easier to take care of property details following a death. Contact Lone Star Legal Aid or Houston Volunteer Lawyers using the numbers above for help with this preparation. You may be eligible for a free will or end of life planning documents.

Bankruptcy or Debt Relief
If you have substantial credit card or other debt, lawyers may be able to help protect you from bill collectors, negotiate with creditors, and assess your eligibility for bankruptcy.

Guardianship
Court Ordered Guardianship can help you obtain rights to care and make decisions for an adult who does not have the capacity to care for themselves.

Visit the State Bar of Texas Referral Directory for other legal service providers in Houston.

Houston-Harris County Rental Assistance Program

The City of Houston and Harris County is providing $159 million in rent and utilities assistance to families who are at risk of losing their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any renter living in Houston or Harris County can apply if they have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; are experiencing housing instability; and have a household income at or below 80% of the HUD Area Median Family Income. Renters will apply through one website: HoustonHarrisHelp.org, starting February 25. Landlords may enroll in the program any time starting February 18. Eligibility information is available on the website HoustonHarrisHelp.org.

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid developed the tools and information below to help homeowners trying to navigate the options available if they fall behind on a mortgage loan due to a COVID-19 related hardship. It is primarily designed for low-income Texas homeowners with an institutional loan (i.e. not owner-financed, wraparound, etc.):

• English online tool: bit.ly/TRLAmortgage
• English PDF: link
• Spanish online tool: bit.ly/TRLAhipoteca
• Spanish PDF: link

Apply for SNAP Food Benefits: https://yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov/programs/snap or call 2-1-1, option 2 

Information on Funeral assistance click here

Harris County is partnering with the Federal government to provide COVID-19 testing to those experiencing symptoms or who may have been exposed to the virus. If this applies to you, please begin the process using the COVID-19: Self-Assessment Tool / (832) 927-7575 (technical access needs).

Volunteer Houston has activated their Virtual Volunteer Reception Center to help connect those with a giving spirit with agencies in need of volunteers during COVID-19.

Report Local Price Gouging: cao.harriscountytx.gov

Report Price Gouging and Scams: Texas Attorney General, (800) 621-0508

Student Loans Payment Help: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus#borrower-questions

If you are having thoughts of suicide, talk to someone who cares. Dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (TALK)

Apply for Unemployment Benefits: https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/applying-unemployment-benefits

For financial assistance with utilities, please contact 2-1-1 or go to 211texas.org for available resources in your area.