Fort Bend County residents can now apply for assistance thanks to $19.5 million fund

RICHMOND, Texas – Fort Bend County said people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic can now apply for assistance because of a $19.5 million fund put together by county leaders.

Most of the money was provided by the CARES Act while the county contributed another $2 million.

The fund is designed to help eligible citizens pay their rent, mortgage and utilities from June to November. Residents can receive up to $1,500 in rent or mortgage assistance and up to $500 in utility assistance.

To qualify, a person must:

  • Be a Fort Bend County resident.
  • Have a household income less than 80% of the area’s average median income.
  • Have lost a job because of COVID-19.
  • Be unable to pay rent after April 1.
  • Have not received other rental assistance for the same period and the landlord or mortgage company must agree to participate.

The money will be allocated in three phases, starting in June. People can begin applying for Phase 1 through June 12 or when funds run out.

People are asked to go to fortbendcountytx.gov or call 281-238-CARES for information about the application process.

Officials said if the demand for funds is high, county commissioners could vote to add more money to the fund.

Update on Fort Bend County assistance fund

Officials provide an update on the Fort Bend County assistance fund.

Posted by KPRC2 / Click2Houston on Monday, June 1, 2020