Rent Relief Fund Goes Live

On yesterday, the Houston City Council approved a $15 million rent relief fund to help Houstonians make their payments amidst the COVID-19 public health crisis.

The money for the program will come from the federal CARES Act and will be administered by the local nonprofit BakerRipley.

Beginning today at 10 a.m., landlords can begin enrolling on the program’s website. The portal will open to tenants beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 13.

BakerRipley will provide up to $1,056 of rental assistance per month to qualified low-to-moderate income people who could not pay their April and/or May rent.

  • The landlords who agree to participate in the program will need to agree to certain terms:
  • Waive all late fees, penalties, and interest for the two months.
  • Allow tenants to enter a payment plan for any rent due in excess of $1,056.
  • Rescind any prior notice to vacate and halt any prior eviction proceedings for the two months.

Renters must meet the following requirements

  • Live inside the city of Houston
  • Be late on residential rental payments for either or both the months of April and May
  • Be current on their rent for all months prior to April 2020
  • Affirm that their inability to pay is due to financial hardship resulting from the economic impact of COVID-19
  • Have income less than 80% of the Area Median Income (approximately $40,000 for one person or $60,000 for a family of four) or qualify for one of the programs listed in the application (e.g. Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, Head Start, or VA Pension)

The Houston Apartment Association estimates the rent relief program will help thousands of workers who have been laid off because of business closures.

The program is expected to help at least 6,818 households. It will take all of us working together to get through this pandemic. Stay encouraged!

Disposable Masks are Available at the following Community Centers While Supplies Last

Platou Community Center
Monday-Friday
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
(During drive through lunch pick-up)
11655 Chimney Rock Rd. 77035

Windsor Village Community Center
Monday-Friday
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
(During drive through lunch pick-up)
14441 Croquet Lane 77085

Townwood Park Community Center
Monday-Friday
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
(During drive through lunch pick-up)
3402 Simsbrook Drive 77045

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based spread. These face coverings are to protect others. Unfortunately this virus does not have a play book. An individual can look and feel fine but still be a carrier of COVID-19. Because you can be asymptomatic and spread this virus, these face covering are an added layer of protection for you and me. The N-95 respirator masks are critical supplies that should be reserved for heatlhcare professionals and other first responders. If you have a bandana or scarf, those can work just as well. There are also YouTube videos that explain how to make no-sew face coverings. Click here for YouTube instructions.

Please note: Private businesses CAN require you to wear a mask or face covering at their locations. Remember the face coverings are to protect each other.

The Houston Health Department is is reporting !!!!!! confirmed cases and !!!!! deaths as of yesterday. Our goal in the COH is to continue to ramp up testing throughout the city. A mobile unit will be at the Hiram Clarke Multi Service Center, May 5th -9th. Tuesday through Friday the testing time is 10:00 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Residents can drive through or walk up. Call the Houston Health Department for your appointment at 832-393-4220.

If you have any questions feel free to email us at DistrictK@houstontx.gov or call us at 832-393-3016. Stay safe, healthy and hopeful!

-Martha

Food Distribution ContinuesThrough May

The Windsor Village Church Family partners with the City of Houston and Houston Food Bank at The Power Center to deliver fresh produce (fruits and vegetables) to our community in District K. If you know of a family in need, please share.

Thursday, May 7, 2020
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
@ The Power Center Parking Lot
12401 S. Post Oak Road
Houston, TX 77085

This distribution site will serve the community weekly through May 30th on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Volunteers are needed! If you are available to volunteer sign up here. The Food Bank has requested volunteers work in one of 2 shifts: sorting (9:00 am – 2:00 pm) and distribution (2:00 pm – 6:00pm).

“No one can do everything,
but everyone can do something!”
-Unknown