Houston City Council Approves Mayor Turner’s Proposed Rental Relief Program

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The Houston City Council approved a $15 million rent relief fund to help Houstonians make their payments amidst the COVID-19 public health crisis.

The money for the program will come from the federal CARES Act and will be administered by the local nonprofit BakerRipley.

“The program provides much-needed assistance for our residents. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected constituents economically, forcing many to make tough choices,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “While this rent relief fund will help thousands of people, we know thousands more will need help. We are trying to do as much as we can with the little that we have.”

Beginning Thursday, May 7 at 10 a.m., landlords can begin enrolling on the program’s website. The portal will open to tenants beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 13.

BakerRipley will provide up to $1,056 of rental assistance per month to qualified low-to-moderate income people who could not pay their April and/or May rent.

“BakerRipley is honored to continue our mission, with the City’s committed support, to meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable communities,” said Claudia Aguirre, BakerRipley President and CEO. “The BakerRipley Rental Assistance Program is a critical program for many neighbors who struggled before this crisis and have seen those struggles exacerbated in the face of COVID-19. Recovery starts now. It starts with each individual and organization across this region, doing their part to keep this city a welcoming center of opportunity. Thank you, Mayor Turner, for your continued leadership and work on behalf of this amazing and resilient City.”’