A bit of relief is on the way for at-risk renters and homeowners in Denton County after the Commissioners Court meeting June 30.
The commissioners unanimously approved a proposal to continue working with the United Way to provide rental and mortgage relief to combat economic setbacks sustained by residents through the coronavirus pandemic. They also approved a 1% homestead exemption, with a minimum of a $5,000 credit in appraised value, for homeowners.
“We’ve spent about $600,000 on nonprofits for rental assistance, mortgage payments to keep people in their homes,” Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell said. “Out of the [Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act], the federal government granted us money to help people stay in their homes and provide food—we’ve spent more than $400,000 on food, also—and what happens is we contract with United Way, which contracts with social services agencies, like Our Daily Bread and Salvation Army. A lot of these charities are already working with citizens."
“Instead of us recreating the wheel, they already have a method to interview people and see if assistance is needed. It has worked out wonderfully,” she said.
