Emergency Rental Assistance Program in Corpus Christi, TX (Nueces County)
Corpus Christi/Nueces County, TX Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Press Conference for the Rental Assistance Program in Case of Emergency (ERAP) Nueces County has established a $1.6 million emergency rental assistance program.
Nueces County is launching a $1.6 million rental assistance program. The county is making every effort to contact as many qualified candidates as possible.
Nueces County has $1,696,729.83 in funding available to provide direct assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which is run locally (ERAP).
The project aims to help people and households who are facing homelessness or housing instability as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic with the emergency rental and utility bills.
“All other essential necessities are built on the foundation of shelter. You can get work, go to school, work, and care for your family if you have a home “Judge Barbara Canales of Nueces County noted. “The economically disadvantaged paid the highest price during this epidemic: they were more likely to become ill or have a sick family member, and they were more likely to face job loss or reduced income.”
“We must protect our most vulnerable residents because we know that having a roof over one’s head allows people to reclaim their life. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was created to help people in need. I strongly urge renters and landlords who have suffered economic losses as a result of COVID to seek assistance as soon as possible.”
The Program in Summary
Eligible candidates may be able to cover rent arrears, forward rent payments, utility arrears, current utility expenditures, and other appropriate costs. The total term of the program, including arrears, current, and future payments, cannot exceed 15 months for any sort of support.
Rental payments made through the program are made to landlords, property owners, or management organizations, although in certain cases, payments may be given directly to renters. Utility assistance will be offered in the form of a check payable to either the utility provider or the renter.
Based on their participation in comparable programs, the program may contact a large number of applicants. Nueces County has previously provided financial assistance to homes that have been financially impacted as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. To address any unmet needs, the County will make every effort to move eligible individuals into the program.
There is assistance available.
The program assists residents in Nueces County who are behind on rent or utility payments and/or facing eviction due to COVID-19. As defined by the US Treasury, the following are examples of eligible uses of funds:
Rent arrears dating back to April 1, 2020.
Rent is paid in three-month increments in advance. Following each three-month term, candidates may recertify that they still meet the program’s qualifying requirements for up to three months of advance rent. At the time of recertification, all past due payments will be recognized as arrears and paid as arrears, not counting against the three-month forward rent cap.
The program will return up to 120 percent of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) FY 2021 fair market rents (FMRs), adjusted for unit size, in monthly rental charges.
The total number of months covered by the program, including arrears and forward rent, cannot exceed 15 months.
Utility and household energy consumption costs beginning as early as April 1, 2020, including the following:
- Electrical energy
- Natural gas
- Propane
-
Water consumption
-
Water drainage system
-
Garbage disposal
-
Energy costs (e.g., fuel oil)
-
Utility assistance is offered in the form of direct payments to utility providers to cover current utility charges as well as arrears of up to 15 months.
The total number of months covered by the program, including both arrears and current utility charges, cannot exceed 15 months.
“Other expenses,” as defined by US Treasury regulations, which include the following: incurred the reasonable late penalty of up to 15% of total rent or Internet service charge
Security deposits for rental properties and rental fees, which may include application or screening fees, are examples of relocation expenses (including prospective relocation expenses).
The use of program funds for mortgage assistance is prohibited under federal law.
Application Form Submission
The program employs an Applicant Portal, www.nuecescountyerap.com, that landlords and tenants can use online. Applicants may also call 361-724-3085 if they have any further inquiries.
If you are unable to apply online, you may submit your application in person at the La Retama Central Library, located at 805 Comanche Street. Applications will be accepted at the La Retama Central Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The hours on Saturday are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Nueces County also intends to hold informational workshops about the application process at a number of community centers. Keep an eye on the Nueces County website for updates on when an educational session will be hosted near you!
Regarding ERAP Funding
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program, established under section 501 of Division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L. No. 116-260, provides funding for the program (Dec. 27, 2020).
Keep a lookout for further information about Nueces County’s ERAP. Download PDF format