| Program | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Homeowner Assistance Program | $1.334 billion |
| Local Buyout and Acquisition Program | $189 million |
| Homeowner Reimbursement Program | $100 million |
| Affordable Rental Program | $586 million |
| Economic Revitalization Program | $100 million |
| Local Infrastructure Program | $413 million |
| Local, Regional & State Planning | $137 million |
| Harris County – Direct Allocation | $896 million |
Last updated: July 15, 2024
On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast, causing widespread destruction and flooding. In response, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated more than $5.676 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to the State of Texas for long-term disaster recovery. These funds will be used to support housing, infrastructure, and planning through state and local programs.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the recovery funds and programs available to those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. We will discuss the Homeowner Assistance Program, Local Buyout and Acquisition Program, Homeowner Reimbursement Program, Affordable Rental Program, Economic Revitalization Program, Local Infrastructure Program, Local, Regional & State Planning, Harris County – Direct Allocation, and GLO’s Homeowner Assistance Program in Houston.
Homeowner Assistance Program ($1.334 billion)
The Homeowner Assistance Program provides funding for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of owner-occupied single-family homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey. This program is designed to help homeowners repair or rebuild their homes and return to safe and sustainable housing.
Local Buyout and Acquisition Program ($189 million)
The Local Buyout and Acquisition Program allows local governments to buyout or acquire eligible homes at a pre-storm or post-storm fair market value. This program aims to move homeowners out of harm’s way and relocate them to a lower-risk area outside of a floodplain.
Homeowner Reimbursement Program ($100 million)
The Homeowner Reimbursement Program allows homeowners to be reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred for repairs to their home, including reconstruction, rehabilitation, or mitigation, up to $50,000. This program is designed to help homeowners who have already made repairs to their homes but have not been reimbursed by insurance or other sources.
Affordable Rental Program ($586 million)
The Affordable Rental Program provides funding for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and new construction of affordable multi-family housing units in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. This program is designed to increase the availability of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
Economic Revitalization Program ($100 million)
The Economic Revitalization Program provides interim assistance to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Harvey through deferred forgivable loans in exchange for job creation or retention for low- to moderate-income employees. Small businesses within Harris County and the city of Houston are eligible to apply for this program.
Local Infrastructure Program ($413 million)
The Local Infrastructure Program repairs, enhances, and restores infrastructure for local communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey as part of a comprehensive long-term recovery program. This program is designed to help communities rebuild and become more resilient to future disasters.
Local, Regional & State Planning ($137 million)
In collaboration with local communities, the GLO will conduct planning studies in the impacted areas with the purpose of promoting sound regional long-term recovery. This program is designed to help communities plan for the future and make informed decisions about rebuilding and recovery.
Harris County – Direct Allocation ($896 million)
Harris County has elected to develop their own local recovery programs with exception of the Economic Revitalization Program. This direct allocation will be used to support housing, infrastructure, and other recovery efforts in Harris County.
GLO’s Homeowner Assistance Program in Houston
Houston homeowners affected by Hurricane Harvey who need help in repairing or rebuilding their homes can now apply for assistance with the GLO. This program is designed to help homeowners in Houston return to safe and sustainable housing.
In addition to these programs, HUD has implemented a number of measures to support disaster recovery in Texas, including a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. HUD has also provided flexibility to Community Planning and Development Grantees, Public Housing Agencies, and Tribes to apply for needed administrative flexibility in response to natural disasters.
To apply for assistance or to learn more about the recovery programs available in Texas, visit the Hurricane Harvey Action Plan Page on the GLO’s website. You can also contact the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more information.
In conclusion, the recovery funds and programs available to those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas are designed to support housing, infrastructure, and planning through state and local programs. These programs are intended to help homeowners, small businesses, and communities rebuild and become more resilient to future disasters. By taking advantage of these resources, those affected by Hurricane Harvey can begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.
