The big picture
At an Oct. 8 meeting, Fort Bend County commissioners approved the use of $2 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to assist qualified county residents who are unable to afford rental or utility assistance.
The county has received $39 million from the federal government for the rental assistance program since 2020, Tami Frazier, Fort Bend County communications director, said in an email.
A closer look
The program provides Fort Bend County residents who are facing eviction up to $2,000, and residents facing utility disconnection up to $500 for up to 12 months or until funds are exhausted, Frazier said.
According to a program flier, interested parties must provide documentation, including:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Lease agreement and current rent ledger
- Most recent utility bills
- Late rent or eviction notice
- 2022 or 2023 tax return for all household members over age 18
“Many families are still struggling from the economic impact of the pandemic and the county recognizes the need to prioritize funding provided by the U.S. Treasury to support this need,” Frazier said in the email. “The goal is to focus on families most at risk of experiencing homelessness.”
Going forward
The application will launch on the county’s website by Nov. 25 and will remain open until all funds have been exhausted, Frazier said.
The funds are expected to last through Sept. 30, 2025, she said.
