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So far Katie Thomson has created 85 blog entries.
Wed 03-31-2021

Houston Health Department opens 3,000 new COVID-19 vaccination appointment slots for new partner site

2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00

The Houston Health Department is opening 3,000 additional COVID-19 vaccination appointment slots for April 1-3, 2021.

The appointments are for first doses of Moderna vaccine at Reed Road Parking Lot (2098 Reed Rd.), the department’s new drive thru site with Curative.  

People age 18 and older can visit curative.com/search to self-register for appointments on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

Appointments are only confirmed upon receipt of an email or text message and confirmation numbers/QR codes will be verified on site. People who show up without confirmed appointments will be turned away.

The new site will tentatively operate Wednesdays through Saturdays with an initial capacity of 1,000 doses daily, based on supply.

People can learn about new health department appointment opportunities through email, text message, voice call, or mobile app push notification by registering for the HoustonRecovers subscription of AlertHouston at AlertHouston.org

Additional information is available at HoustonEmergency.org/covid19

Houston Health Department opens 3,000 new COVID-19 vaccination appointment slots for new partner site2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00
Thu 03-25-2021

FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-related Deaths

2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00

In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized today, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:

  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
  • If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual. 
  • An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
  • The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
  • This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.  
  • Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:

  • An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the U. S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
  • Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
  • Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

More information regarding this assistance can be found at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov

FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-related Deaths2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00
Thu 03-25-2021

Northwood Apartments, a Multifamily Housing Community, to Replace Housing Lost During Hurricane Harvey

2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00

HOUSTON, TX (Tuesday, March 23, 2021) – The Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA), Harris County – Community Services Department (HCCSD), Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, the Texas General Land Office (GLO), and the development partner LDG Development (LDG) celebrate the groundbreaking of Northwood Apartments, a multifamily development located at 12620 Eastex Freeway to replace housing lost during Hurricane Harvey. The development is financed with Harris County’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds in conjunction with private financing from Citi Community Capital and AEGON USA Realty Advisors, LLC.

This $53.9 million community’s groundbreaking will commence the development of 288 beautiful new apartment units for families seeking quality housing near the Eastex Freeway in the Shelvin Acres community. 

“We are honored to partner with LDG Development to build much-needed quality housing that is affordable for working families,” said Horace Allison, AIA, Executive Director and CEO of Harris County Housing Authority. “Northwood Apartments will replace housing resources lost during Hurricane Harvey and provide not only a place to live but the facilities and services to improve the lives of the families who will call this community home.”

Northwood Apartments will provide a wide array of amenities to the families it serves, including a swimming pool with a sun deck, a playground, and picnic/grilling areas.

“This project is one of sixteen the Harris County Community Services Department is supporting with the use of HUD CDBG Disaster Recovery funds in the effort to replenish housing stock lost from several past disasters,” said CSD Director Dr. Adrienne Holloway.  “These developments provide a significant investment in the effort to provide affordable housing for all who live and work in north Harris County.”

The apartments are expected to begin leasing in 2022, offering a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom units. Rents will range from $396 to $865 for a one-bedroom/one-bath unit, $475 to $1,033 for a two-bedroom/two-bath, $551 to $1,240 for a three-bedroom/two-bath unit and $613 to $1,362 for a four-bedroom /two-bath unit.

“We are in a housing crisis. Families who were first displaced by natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey are now facing difficulty staying in the places they grew up because of rising costs,” said Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “As we face the economic impacts of COVID-19, which is placing additional strain on families, I am proud that we are coming together to bring new, quality housing units for Harris County families.”

This development will serve residents at incomes below 80% of area median income and is just one in an ongoing HCHA development program to work with private and public partners to address the housing shortage in Harris County.

“The Texas General Land Office is committed to helping Texas communities recover from the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Harvey,” said Heather Lagrone, Director of Disaster Recovery, Texas General Land Office. “This community is one of many multifamily developments the GLO is funding with long-term disaster recovery assistance to restore affordable rental housing for Texas families. We are very pleased these funds will provide an additional 288 units of quality housing for families in Harris County.”

The total development cost for the new community is $53.9 million, comprised of $42.4 million in private funding provided by Citibank Community Capital and AEGON USA Realty Advisors, LLC, and $11.5 million provided by Harris County Community Services Department using Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery funds from the Texas General Land Office.

“Access to quality, safe, and affordable housing helps families achieve many of the goals they have in life. Whether it is ensuring their children can thrive in school and pursue a post-secondary degree or certification; or pursuing a new job that will provide for greater financial stability; access to quality housing can help change the trajectory of a family’s life. That is why LDG remains committed to bringing more affordable housing to communities like Harris County that share this belief and are focused on helping more families find a place they can be proud to call home,” said Dru Childre, Development Coordinator LDG Development.

HCHA is currently developing more than 650 additional housing units scheduled to be brought into the Harris County housing rental market in 2022 to replace housing lost in Hurricane Harvey.

 

Northwood Apartments, a Multifamily Housing Community, to Replace Housing Lost During Hurricane Harvey2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00
Tue 03-9-2021

COVID Vaccine Waitlists

2021-03-09T18:58:40-06:00

The Houston Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine waitlists are open to people age 65 and older and people age 16 and older with chronic health conditions. 

Registration is also available by calling:

  • Area Agency on Aging (People 60 and older): 832-393-4301.
  • Aging and Disability Resource Center (People with disabilities): 832-393-5500.
  • COVID-19 Call Center (additional assistance): 832-393-4220.

Join the Harris County Public Health waitlist at ReadyHarris.org or by calling 832-927-8787.

Dr. B standby list for leftover COVID vaccines

Leftovers happen. People miss their appointments. Vials come with extra doses. Any thawed vials must be used within 6 hours, or they get thrown out.

Looking to get vaccinated but can’t get an appointment? Join the standby list to get connected with local providers with extra doses.

 
COVID Vaccine Waitlists2021-03-09T18:58:40-06:00
Thu 02-18-2021

Brenda Sanchez Named Harris County Housing Authority Employee of the Quarter

2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00

Brenda Sanchez has been with the Harris County Housing Authority for more than three years. When asked about her work at HCHA, Brenda is quick to tell you that the opportunity to serve and help others is an honor and gives her an adrenaline rush that keeps her striving to be her best servant that she can every day. With that same level of enthusiasm, the HCHA designates Brenda Sanchez as the HCHA Employee of the Quarter.

“The thing I like the most about my job is being able to help people,” said Brenda. “Especially now during the pandemic, we have a lot of people coming here from out of town, and I like it when I can help them find safe quality housing in which to call Houston home.”

Nominated by HCHA supervisors, Brenda was chosen for her enthusiasm for her work, healthy relationships with her co-workers, and consistently offering innovative solutions to streamline daunting processes.

“Brenda always goes above and beyond her designated job duties to make the HCHA an outstanding service deliverer. She is very knowledgeable in all aspects of the Inspections Department and can execute all tasks with excellence and commitment,” said Beverly Burroughs, Director of Program Quality and Inspections. “She takes the initiative to complete all tasks assigned with little or no supervision, as well as always looking for ways to improve HCHA’s inspection protocols.”

As an Inspections Assistant, Brenda is responsible for ensuring landlord and participant issues, concerns, and queries regarding the why, what, when, and how of the inspection processes are addressed promptly. She also schedules initial, annual, and special inspections, perform rent-reasonable evaluations, and performs rental increase requests for other housing authorities, in addition to providing administrative support for the HCV Inspections Department and conducting housing inspections to ensure compliance with HUD regulations.

“Brenda is a team player and can fill any position in the inspections department,” said Debra McCray, Housing Choice Voucher Director. “She is crossed-trained in the call center, records technician, and intake, giving her an extraordinary ability to work with her peers and management, which is a quality her co-workers emulate. She sets her expectations high and tackles assigned tasks until each is completed efficiently and accurately.”

The purpose of the Employee of the Quarter designation is to recognize an employee who has made a significant contribution to the Harris County Housing Authority.

“Brenda provides excellent service to HCHA’s clients and landlords while presenting a positive and professional attitude every day,” said Horace Allison, CEO and Executive Director of the Harris County Housing Authority. “I am proud to recognize her for her outstanding achievements at HCHA.”

Brenda Sanchez Named Harris County Housing Authority Employee of the Quarter2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00
Fri 02-12-2021

Texas Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials now accepting Scholarship Applications

2021-02-12T17:38:30-06:00

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Be a resident of public housing or a participant in the Section 8 program in which you are living.
  • Be a graduating high school senior. (You can not have graduated in the previous year or be in college already for this scholarship. It is intended to help high school seniors get started immediately in college).
  • Demonstrate exceptional school attendance.
  • Demonstrate high academic achievement.
  • Demonstrate leadership and/or high level of motivation.
  • Be a resident of a Housing Authority/ or Community Development (CD) agency that is a member of TXNAHRO

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Housing Agency Certification signed by the Executive Director of the housing agency in which you reside. (click here to download form)
  • Transcript or certified copy of grades with grade point average and scale used – whether 4 pt. scale, 5 pt. scale, etc., class rank/size, proficiency test scores (TAKS, etc., whatever standardized testing system is used and ACT and/or SAT scores, if taken).  It is very important to include all the above information so that all scholarship applicants can be evaluated on the same criteria.
  • TWO letters of recommendation; one from a community leader and one from a high school instructor.
  • One (1) recent photo (if a professional photo is not available, even a cell-phone selfie will be accepted, if a better quality portrait is unavailable). This is very important for the awards ceremony!
  • *NEW*Please submit a 3 minute or less video of yourself describing your short and long-term goals in life, why you are pursuing your particular college degree or vocational training program and an achievement or an event in your life that has been especially significant.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED—THEY WILL BE REJECTED

THE APPLICATION AND RELATED MATERIAL MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN February 19, 2021

Submit Application Here

Texas Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials now accepting Scholarship Applications2021-02-12T17:38:30-06:00
Fri 02-12-2021

TDHCA’s Texas Rent Relief Program Opens February 15, 2021

2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has received approximately $1.3 billion in Emergency Rental Assistance funds from the newly passed Coronavirus Relief Bill Rental Assistance Program. TDHCA is using the funds to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities).

TDHCA’s Texas Rent Relief program website and phone systems are up and running and ready to answer questions. TDHCA will accept applications from landlords and tenants beginning February 15, 2021, at 8 a.m., Central Time.

1.    Click here to learn more and apply online .

2.    Learn more and apply by phone at 833-9TX-RENT (833-989-7368).

The Texas Rent Relief program can help with the following costs starting as far back as March 13, 2020:

  • Past due, current and up to 3 months of expected rent costs
  • Past due, current or up to 3 months of expected utility and home energy expenses
  • After the initial 3 months of forward assistance, households can apply for 3 additional months of assistance if funds are still available

Households must have incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income and meet other qualifications. Click here for full details.

To help with outreach, we’ve created a toolkit with printable tenant flyers as well as social graphics, which will be available for use later this week.

TDHCA is committed to assisting you through the Coronavirus Relief Bill Rental Assistance Program. We look forward to working with you.

Respectfully,

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

For news media inquiries only, please refer to Kristina Tirloni at (512) 475-4743. All other questions, please call 833-9TX-RENT (833-989-7368).

TDHCA’s Texas Rent Relief Program Opens February 15, 20212021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00
Tue 02-9-2021

Video: Getting the COVID-19 Vaccination

2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00

Want to learn more about the #COVID19 vaccine? Watch the video below to hear from doctors working in and around the world’s largest medical center why they got their shot. Learn more about how to protect yourself and others. Video courtesy of Housing for Houston.

Video: Getting the COVID-19 Vaccination2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00
Wed 02-3-2021

The Hollows to Replace Channelview Housing Lost During Hurricane Harvey

2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00

HOUSTON, TX (Wednesday, February 3, 2021) – The Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA), Harris County – Community Services Department (HCCSD), Harris County Precinct Two Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the Texas General Land Office (GLO.), and development partner LDG Development (LDG) celebrate the groundbreaking of The Hollows, a multifamily development to replace housing lost during Hurricane Harvey. The development will be financed with Harris County’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds in conjunction with construction and private permanent financing from Citi Community Capital and tax credit equity from Hunt Capital Partners.

This $39.35 million community’s groundbreaking will create 192 beautiful new apartment homes for families seeking quality housing in the Channelview area. 

“We are pleased to partner with LDG Development to provide much-needed quality housing for Harris County families,” said Horace Allison, AIA, Executive Director and CEO of Harris County Housing Authority. “This multifamily housing community will replace housing resources lost during Hurricane Harvey while adding an attractive, viable, and valuable asset to the neighborhood.”

The Hollows will provide a wide array of amenities to the families it serves, including a fully equipped clubhouse, business center, fitness center, laundry facilities, a swimming pool with a sun deck, and a playground.

“The Hollows project is one of sixteen the Harris County Community Services Department is supporting with the use of HUD CDBG Disaster Recovery funds in the effort to replenish housing stock lost from several past disasters,” said CSD Director Dr. Adrienne Holloway.  “These developments provide a significant investment in the effort to provide affordable housing for all who live and work in Harris County.”

The Hollows is expected to begin leasing in 2022. Rents will range from $384 to $848 for a one-bedroom/one-bath unit, $532 to $1,065 for a two-bedroom/two-bath, and $615 to $1,230 for a three-bedroom/two-bath unit.

“We are in a housing crisis. Families who were first displaced by natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey are now facing difficulty staying in the places they grew up because of rising costs,” said Harris County Precinct Two Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “As we face the economic impacts of COVID-19, which is placing additional strain on families, I am proud that we are coming together to bring new, quality housing units for Harris County families.”

This development is one of several housing communities being developed by HCHA in partnership with the private and public sectors to serve families recovering from Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath.

“The Texas General Land Office is committed to helping Texas communities recover from the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Harvey,” said Heather Lagrone, Director of Disaster Recovery, Texas General Land Office. ““The Hollows is one of many multifamily developments the GLO is funding with long-term disaster recovery assistance to restore affordable rental housing for Texas families. We are very pleased these funds will provide an additional 192 units of quality housing for families in Harris County.”

The total development cost for The Hollows is $39.35 million, comprised of $9.9 million in private equity funding arranged by Hunt Capital Partners, LLC, and $17.07 million debt financing provided by Citibank Community Capital, as well as $11.12 million in financing provided by Harris County Community Services Department using Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery funds from the Texas General Land Office and a $1.2 million deferred developer fee.

“LDG was founded more than 25 years ago based on our belief that everyone deserves a quality place to live.  We are committed to ensuring more communities have access to safe, stable and quality housing that can serve as the foundation for improving outcomes that strengthen the entire community,” said Justin Hartz, Development Director, LDG Development.

HCHA is currently developing more than 650 additional housing units scheduled to be brought into the Harris County housing rental market in 2022.

# # #

The Hollows to Replace Channelview Housing Lost During Hurricane Harvey2021-07-23T06:26:43-05:00
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