Collin County offers assistance to renters and landlords affected financially by COVID-19

Collin County has launched its Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide residential rent and utility assistance for county residents.

The federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 provides funds for the county program. The cities of Frisco, McKinney, Plano and Allen will operate their own programs for residents.

The assistance program was briefly discussed at a Collin County Commissioners Court meeting April 12.

Only Collin County residents who are renters qualify for county assistance, according to county documents. Applicants must have been affected financially by COVID-19, such as through a job loss or loss of income, or have incurred significant costs due to the coronavirus. They must demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability and have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income, according to documents.

As of April 12, the Collin County program has received 40 applications and has awarded a little more than $357,647 in assistance. So far, there have been applicants from Anna, Fairview, Parker, Princeton, Richardson, Sachse and Wylie. The county has received 16 applications from Richardson residents and has awarded a total of $152,604 to them.

Landlords and utility providers that choose to participate in the program will receive funds directly, according to county documents. If a landlord does not agree to participate in the program, funds may be paid directly to the eligible household to be used exclusively for eligible expenses.

To apply for the county's program, go to www.collincountytx.gov/cares/pages/rentalassistance2021.aspx. For questions about the program, email [email protected] or call 833-696-0804.

The online pre‐screening questionnaire will remain open for applicants until noon Oct. 31.