Women In Community Service Inc.

Emergency Home Repair for Seniors & Disabled

Aug 10, 2004

Council member Quan is very pleased to announce that, in late April with the cooperation of the Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD), HUD has authorized the implementation of the Emergency Tier Home Repair Program, The City of Houston and HUD are also negotiating the further restructuring of the Program to include a Tier 2 and Tier 3 to address non-emergency situations.
The Emergency Tier Program is targeted specifically at seniors and the disabled. Examples of emergency repairs include a sudden and unexpected breakdown of an air conditioning unit or roof damage due to an unexpected storm.
After a call for assistance is received by HCDD, the residency/ownership, income, and tax status are determined. If eligible, an inspector and housing counselor will visit the residence to inspect the property and complete the application for assistance. The work write-up is then sent out for bid. HCDD will select a contractor to complete the repair. The emergency condition must be addressed within 72 hours.
To receive assistance, please call (713) 868-8400 or call 311 and ask for the Emergency Tier Home Repair Program. The eligibilitiy requirements for Emergency Tier Home Repair are as follows:
*Applicant must reside in and own the home
*Applicant must be at least 62 years old or long-term disabled
*Applicant's annual income must not exceed 50% of HUD's median income for the City of Houston
* Applicant's income taxes must be current or paid on a schedule
* The emergency situation must have occured in the last 2 weeks and without warning
* The emergency must be detrimental or a threat to life, health or safety of the resident.

The preceeding article was taken from 'The Key', Volume 5, Issue 1, page 2. A periodical from the office of Council Member Gordon Quan, Houston, Texas