Assistance for reduction of income due to COVID-19
Texas Border Business
Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI) has partnered with the City of McAllen to launch the Mortgage/Rent/Utility Assistance Program to assist households that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide financial assistance for the City of McAllen residents affected by COVID-19 for up to six months. The goal is to establish or maintain affordable and stable housing and reduce the risk of homelessness for eligible applicants.
“The global pandemic of COVID-19 has had an impact in every aspect of our lives, from physical, spiritual and also financial,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “We are proud to be able to provide this funding through our partnership with Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. to help assist those who are in danger of losing their residence because of lost income as a result of the coronavirus. We hope this program brings more than just financial relief for the recipients, but also, peace of mind that they will be taken care of amidst this period.”
To qualify for the program, applicants:
- · Must be homeowner/tenant(renter) in the city limits of McAllen;
- · Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid I.D.;
- · Must be willing to provide additional documentation if requested for themselves and/or for all household members;
- · Must provide proof of a reduction in income; and
- · Cannot have received mortgage assistance from any other source before applying for this program.
While there is no income limit for this program, applicants’ income must have been reduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic after March 13, 2020. Utilities can be included in the application assistance request. Subsidy limits per household may not exceed $1,400 per month in rent; $1,800 per month in mortgage; and $200 per month in utilities.
In addition to a completed application, the following documents are required:
- · Copy of a lease or mortgage document to verify the location of residence;
- · Identification card issued by a government including: drivers’ license/I.D.; passport; Social Security card; or birth certificates as a form of identification;
- · Income documentation from applicant and all adult household members;
- · Most recent mortgage statement for homeowners or for renters, current lease/contract to demonstrate at risk of homelessness;
- · Bank statements from three months prior to show reduction in income as a result of COVID-19.
- · Applicants may submit check stubs, award letters for Social Security; SSI; TANF; SNAP, or Medicaid that shows income; and pay history from job(s);
- · Landlord/mortgage company contact information, to include name, phone number, and email address; and
- · Conflict of interest documents
“This pandemic has impacted our community in so many ways,” says Robert Calvillo, AHSTI Executive Director. “We applaud the City of McAllen for stepping up to help out our neighbors who are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage.”
Completed applications, including all documents outlined above, are considered on a first come, first served basis by AHSTI.
Application information can be found at https://www.ahsti.org/renthelpmcallen for rental assistance, and https://www.ahsti.org/mortghelpmcallen for mortgage and utility assistance. The application period is now open and will continue until funds are depleted.
The funding source for this project is the Development Corporation of McAllen, Inc., funded by sales tax revenue generated in the city of McAllen. Funds will be reimbursed by CARES Act funding through the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
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