Administered by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
One-time $1,500 payments for emergency expenses
Harris County provided a total of $60 million in funding to help people recover from financial distress brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households receive a one-time payment of $1,500 for emergency expenses.
Program Overview
Harris County partnered with Catholic Charities as the administrator for a total of $60 million in financial assistance to help Harris County families and individuals who need help recovering from financial distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- For households located within Harris County that meet eligibility requirements
- One-time $1,500 payment
- Funds may be used for any emergency expenses such as healthcare, rent or mortgage, utilities, food, internet, transportation, childcare, and other past due expenses
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Households have to be within Harris County.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older, or be an emancipated minor.
- Households must demonstrate economic hardship incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Household must have at least one member enrolled in a public assistance program, or total household income at or below 60% of the HUD Area Median Family Income.
- One payment will be made per family unit. If housing is shared by more than one family unit, each family unit may apply.
- As required by federal guidelines, at least one adult member of the household must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, refugee, or other qualified noncitizen.
How is the money being distributed?
- Applicants are selected at random using a statistical method that ensures fairness.
- Catholic Charities receives the names, then reviews all applications for eligibility, works with those applicants to get the proper documentation within a short time frame, then processes payment for those that are approved by December 30.
What is Catholic Charities' role?
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is responsible for reviewing applications, verifying eligibility, and processing payment.
Catholic Charities has proven expertise in emergency response during times of disaster such as the COVID-19 pandemic and our ongoing mission. We routinely help more than 100,000 people in need each year through our network of social service programs.
Catholic Charities’ staff of social service providers is highly experienced in helping people in crisis. We will evaluate the eligibility of each applicant for the Harris County funds and make timely decisions to get emergency funds to qualified families as quickly as possible.
Catholic Charities is a nonprofit, United Way agency that serves people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Harris County Judge Lina HidalgoThe damage from this pandemic is complex and widespread, requiring a sustained response that reaches all corners of our county. How we respond to the most vulnerable in our community will be the key to our region’s economic recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply?
The application is now closed.
How much money will people get?
Each of the eligible households that are approved will receive a one-time payment of $1,500.
What expenses can I pay for with the money?
Recipients may use the money for any emergency expenses, such as: healthcare, rent or mortgage, utilities, food, internet, transportation, childcare, and other past due expenses.
How are people selected?
Applications are chosen at random, not based on a first-come, first-served order.
What if I have other questions?
You can call our hotline at 832-345-6289, to answer your questions and help you find assistance in submitting an application. Call center hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you have an issue or concern, please complete our Issues and Concerns form here.