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Financial Help for Rent in Houston and Harris County.
Residents of the Houston metropolitan area and the greater Harris County region have access to several unique rental assistance initiatives. Since the county is one of the most populous in the United States, the response system is decentralized with options listed below, including the Houston/Harris County Eviction Diversion Program to hyper-local zip-code-specific ministries that may provide rent or security deposit payment help to people in a small area. All funding is limited, have various application criteria and any funds to pay rent or moving costs are limited.
Whether you are facing an immediate "Pay or Quit" notice or need help with a security deposit for a new apartment in Pearland or Pasadena, there are non-profits, churches and government agencies available. Most organizations prioritize "at-risk" groups, including families with children including single moms or dads, senior citizens, and those with a temporary hardship. Many offices provide services in both English and Spanish to accommodate the diverse local population.
Centralized Resources and United Way 2-1-1
Before contacting individual charities, residents should utilize the centralized referral systems designed for the Houston region. While not all organizations that may help pay rent will be listed, the centralized system is often an effective starting point.
- United Way of Greater Houston (2-1-1): This is the primary point of entry for social services, including for housing assistance, in Harris County. By dialing 2-1-1 or (713) 957-4357, you can find real-time information on which agencies currently have funding for rent or utility assistance. You can also search their database online at https://referral.unitedwayhouston.org/..
- The Way Home: This is the local "Continuum of Care" partnership that coordinates homeless prevention and rehousing. They provide a streamlined way for tenants in crisis to find which specific non-profit is assigned to their neighborhood. Call (713) 739-7514 or visit https://www.thewayhomehouston.org/,
Government and County-Wide Harris County Assistance
These agencies cover the entire county or the specific city limits of Houston.
- Harris County Community Services Department: This agency manages federal grants like the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). They offer a last-resort rent assistance program and the Eviction Diversion Program, which includes landlord-tenant mediation. Address is 8410 Lantern Point Dr, Houston, TX 77054. Phone: (832) 927-4700 or (713) 578-2000
- Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries (ACAM): ACAM leads a coalition of over 50 community organizations that provide housing stability and emergency payments. Address: 10200 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77042. Website: https://acamweb.org/.
- Gulf Coast Community Services Association (Community Action): As the designated community action agency for Harris County, they focus on helping people move out of poverty. They offer case management alongside potential rent grants. Address: 9320 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054. Phone: (713) 393-4700
- Houston & Harris County Housing Authorities: These agencies manage the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
Houston City Proper & Central Resources
The following organizations may offer rent assistance to qualified people as they have a heavy presence within Houston city limits and often assist those in the urban core.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston): Operates through "conferences" based in local parishes. They perform home visits and provide direct financial aid for rent or utilities. Central Helpline: (713) 741-8234
- The Salvation Army Greater Houston: Offers emergency financial assistance for families facing eviction, as well as transitional housing. Family Residence: 1603 McGowen St, Houston, TX 77004. Phone: (713) 650-6530
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston: Provides comprehensive housing services, including rental arrears help, moving cost assistance, and veteran-specific housing support. Address: 2900 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77006. Phone: (713) 526-4611. Learn more about Catholic Charities housing assistance Harris County.
- Houston Area Urban League (HAUL): Specifically focuses on assisting disadvantaged residents, including people of color, single mothers, and Latinos, with housing stabilization and rental aid. Address: 1301 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002. Phone: (713) 393-8700
- SEARCH Homeless Services: Provides job training and stabilization for those who are homeless or at imminent risk of losing their apartment. Address: 1412 Pease Street, Houston, TX 77002. Phone: (713) 739-7752. Website: https://www.searchhomeless.org/. We also have more content about rent relief and housing programs from SEARCH.
- Bread of Life, Inc.: Provides solutions for individuals and families in crisis, including housing-specific programs and case management. Address: 2019 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002. Phone: (713) 659-3237
- Christian Community Service Center (CCSC): A coalition of over 40 churches that provides emergency financial assistance for rent or deposits combined with long-term case management. Address: 3434 Branard St, Houston, TX 77027. Phone: (713) 961-3993
- Saint Joseph Catholic Church: Provides social ministry services, including a food pantry and limited emergency financial assistance for neighbors in the central Houston area. Address: 1505 Kane St, Houston, TX 77007. Phone: (713) 222-2289
- Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church: Their Social Service Ministry provides food and connects people to rental arrears and deposit support. Address: 3826 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, Texas 77004. Phone: (713) 747-7101
- The Beacon: Provides rehousing help, specifically for women transitioning out of the Harris County jail system, and emergency rent/moving assistance. Address: 1212 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002. Phone: (713) 220-9737
Community Discussion and Local Advice
Because funding for these programs can change weekly if not daily, it is often helpful to hear from other residents on Harris County who have successfully navigated the application process in Houston or the area. You can read about recent experiences of people getting help pay rent, ask about Houston Eviction Prevention and Rapid Rehousing, or ask questions about specific zip-code restrictions, and find additional tips on the community forum. View the moderated Houston Rental Assistance Forum.
Specialized Housing & Rent Relief Programs
If you belong to a specific demographic, you may qualify for priority funding to help pay housing costs (rent, deposits, storage, etc.) from these organizations.
- Seniors (Ages 60+): The Harris County Area Agency on Aging assists with locating low-income senior apartments and may provide funds for mobile home lot rent. Address: 8000 N Stadium Dr, Houston, TX 77054. Phone: (832) 393-4301
- Veterans: The SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) program provides immediate rent money. Harris County Veteran Services Department. Address: 2100 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002. Phone (281) 876-6600
- VFW Houston is another option. Address: 1214 Maxey Rd, Houston, TX 77015. Phone (713) 453-1320
- Students in Transition (HISD): The Project HEART program (Homeless Education and Resource Team) assists HISD students and families with housing stability. Phone: (713) 556-7237.
- TBRA and HIV/AIDS (HOPWA): The Avenue 360 (Bering Omega) and the Brentwood Community Foundation provide TBRA (Tenant-based Rental Assistance) as well as help for people with HIV/AIDs. Avenue 360 Housing Hotline: (832) 384-1390. .Or try the Brentwood Community Foundation. Phone (713) 852-2551.
- Domestic Violence Victims: Daya offers rent assistance and emergency motel vouchers for victims of violence, with a focus on South Asian women. Helpline: (713) 981-7645. Office: (713) 842-7222. Or find other back rent assistance for single moms.
- Legal Aid for Evictions: If you have received a court summons, contact Lone Star Legal Aid or Houston Volunteer Lawyers for free representation.
- HCRC - Housing & Community Resource Center: The location provides information on places that offer emergency rent payment help, affordable housing, and other services that can help struggling renters in the Houston TX area, such as legal aid. Find more information on how to get help from HCRC in Harris County.
North & Northwest Harris County (Humble, Cypress, Spring Branch)
- Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM): Offers one of Houston's most structured rent/utility programs along with financial coaching. Address: 1625 Blalock Road, Houston, TX 77080. Phone: (713) 468-4516
- Humble Area Assistance Ministries (HAAM): Serves the Humble area with rent, utility, and rehousing grants. Address: 1302 1st E St, Humble, TX 77338. Phone: (281) 446-3663.
- Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM): Focuses on residents of Cypress, Waller, and Hockley. Address: 12930 Cypress North Houston Rd, Cypress, TX 77429. Phone: (281) 955-7684.
- MANNA (Ministry Assistance of Northwest Alliance): Provides limited funds for back rent to vulnerable families in the Northwest area. Address: 15555 Kuykendahl Rd, Houston, TX 77090. Phone: (281) 885-4555.
South & East Harris County (Pasadena, South Houston, Bay Area)
- Julia C. Hester House: Located in the Fifth Ward, they offer social services, including assistance with rent and senior programs. Address: 2020 Solo Street, Houston, TX 77020. Phone: (713) 274-1380
- Pasadena Community Ministries: Offers grants for rental arrears or security deposits to residents within the city of Pasadena. Address: 2301 S Houston Rd, Pasadena, TX 77502. Phone: (713) 477-4336.
- St. Pius V Catholic Church: Provides social action services, including a food distribution program and emergency assistance for the Pasadena community. Address: 200 Marvick Drive, Pasadena, TX 77506. Phone: (713) 473-9484
- Southeast Area Ministries: Provides rent and housing items for residents in the South Houston area. Address: 2102 Houston Blvd, South Houston, TX 77587. Phone: (713) 944-0093.
- Interfaith Caring Ministries: Serves the League City and Clear Lake area with emergency rent and supportive housing for seniors. Address: 151 Park Avenue, League City, TX 77573. Phone: (281) 332-3881.
West & Southwest Harris County (Katy, Alief, Westbury)
- House of Amos: Serves specific zip codes (77036, 77042, 77072, 77082, 77099) with rent and utility assistance for families with children. Address: 11169 Beechnut St, Suite G, Houston, TX 77072. Phone: (832) 977-1208
- My Brother's Keeper Outreach Center: Provides financial assistance for documented crises, primarily for rent and utilities. Address: 12621 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77099. Phone: (281) 498-9933
- Braes Interfaith Ministries: An alliance of churches serving the southwest Houston area (Westbury, Meyerland, Braeburn) with rent and food. Address: 4235 S. Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX 77025. Phone: (713) 723-1260
- St. Justin Martyr Social Ministry: Provides emergency rental assistance and case management for families in the Westheimer/Alief area. Address: 13306 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077. Phone: (281) 556-6882
- Katy Christian Ministries: Provides emergency rental grants and housing referrals for Katy residents. Social Services Address: 3506 Porter Road, Katy, TX 77493. Phone: (281) 391-9623.
- West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM): Offers one-time rent or mortgage help for residents in West Houston. Address: 10501 Meadowglen Lane, Houston, TX 77042. Phone: (713) 780-2727.
- Waller Assistance and Restoration Ministry (WARM): Serves the Waller area with rent and housing help. Address: 40070 US-290 BUS, Waller, TX 77484. Phone: (936) 372-5173.
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