Eviction and rehousing services in Montgomery County Texas.
The first priority of agencies in Montgomery County Texas is to stop an eviction from occurring. The pro-active approach is a priority as this is better for the family as well as less costly to the government as well as local charities. When that pro-active eviction prevention approach can't succeed, then repaid rehousing is the next step.
There are several non-profit organizations in the county that focus on these housing issues. Many of them are part of the Continuum of Care and others rely on federal government grants from ESG. Other charities also work to prevent homelessness by offering motel vouchers, offering money for rent arrears, and that offer permanent housing placement services.
The eviction assistance comes in many forms. As many tenants from Montgomery County Texas know, a landlord could evict a family because a utility bill is unpaid. Or maybe the individual paid their rent late. Another major reason for an eviction is due to non-monetary challenges, such as a noise disturbance or the apartment has not been maintained. Based on an assessment that is done, the client will be referred to the best solution in the city of Conroe or elsewhere, such as Woodlands.
Financial challenges are normally handled using federal government emergency solution grants. If the applicant is qualified based on income and other criteria, money may be given to them for paying a certain type of housing expenses. The grants in Montgomery County may help a household pay the landlord some of the rent arrears that is due, or funds can be given to a utility provider for water or electric bills.
Many clients will not qualify for financial aid for one of many reasons. But this does not mean that the eviction is imminent. Case managers will try to either give referrals, or they can suggest a payment plan to the client. Many utility companies in Texas will offer some form of abatement on unpaid bills. While it will not last forever, it can provide the family time to pay down the balance. Legal aid may also be available as an alternative.
Some landlords in Montgomery County will also provide more time to a tenant before issuing a pay or quit notice. This too can be considered a payment plan for back rent that is due. The agencies that offer eviction assistance can provide more information on this as well.
Rehousing in Montgomery County Texas also comes in many forms. Normally when someone is homeless, they have significant barriers that need to be addressed. Rapid rehousing will therefore be combined with budgeting classes, information on state of Texas job placement programs, and much more. This is offered in Spanish as well as English.
The rehousing process is holistic. If an applicant is a single mother, certain tolls will be given to them. Agencies will take a different approach for seniors or the disabled. So a different approach is taken as needed.
After much of that counseling/guidance referenced above has been given and the applicant is successful at it, then more material/financial help may be offered. It needs to be done this way to help prevent a cycle of evictions. This too will be done in a multiple step process provided that all goals have been met by the client.
The homeless may be placed first into a shelter or transitional housing center. If these are filled to capacity, then some clients may be given a motel voucher for a night or two. There are temporary housing sites for families, single parents, and even teenagers. Note if an applicant has a history of evictions from landlords, then the ability to use this service may be limited.
There is supportive housing for both seniors and disabled in Montgomery County. SHP is a HUD programs that provides a safe place to live as well as support, such as transportation, cleaning, and similar services. An environment such as this can be beneficial to stopping evictions. This supportive unit can also rehouse veterans in the community.
Rapid rehousing can also be addressed by Continuum of Care agencies using HUD grants. The waiting list is often very long, funds run out, and aid is also first come and served. Any type of grants can help a tenant that was evicted in the past only if they have addressed the barriers that caused it.
When assistance is available to formerly homeless families, grants can help pay for moving or storage costs for their furniture. If the landlord in Montgomery Texas requires an application for signing the lease or money for a security deposit, ESG can also help with that expense.
Long term guidance is also given to the tenant to help them sustain their tenancy agreement. This if a form of long term eviction assistance. This means that if anytime a family struggles in the future (such as a job loss or they run out debts) then a staff member from an agency will offer help. This is also done to break the cycle of homelessness.
For more information on these services, dial 281-292-4155, extension 265. Referrals will be given.
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