Harris County is seeking to help 20,000 families who need help staying afloat due to COVID-19.

HOUSTON – Harris County is offering financial relief to families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each family will receive $1,200 to be used on emergency expenses, such as housing, food, utilities and healthcare. The COVID-19 assistance fund is $40 million. Frances McIntire-Freeman said that when COVID-19 hit, she and her husband both lost work and the bills just kept coming. We’re really excited to partner with Harris County to reach those who are most vulnerable, who need to help the most and who are suffering because maybe they lost their job,” said Ferrell.

HOUSTON – The public application period for Harris County’s $30 million COVID-19 relief fund started Tuesday and much like the Powerball and the NBA Draft, recipients will be chosen by lottery. “We’re very lucky to be granted $1 million to be able to serve about 700 clients in the Harris County area,” said Morgan Zeringue with JFS. “The best we can do is to make sure that the funds are awarded fairly,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. Challenges post-HarveyThe county’s COVID-19 relief fund comes at a time when memories of the Harvey relief fund still linger. In March, the Texas General Land Office, unhappy with the recovery progress, came to an agreement with the county on the rebuilding of single-family homes.

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HOUSTON – Harris County Commissioner Court this week approved a $15 million relief fund to help assist the most vulnerable families and individuals who are struggling with the sudden loss of a job or wages because of the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 Relief Fund was proposed by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, which will provide support for rent, food, medical care and other expenses. The Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way will manage the program to help those facing the most severe hardships. Harris County Judge Lina Hildalgo announced the approval for the relief fund Tuesday, saying the county has an obligation to protect human life and the most vulnerable. According to the Greater Houston Community Foundation, the COVID-19 Recovery Fund has been endorsed by Hidalgo, Fort Bend County Judge KP George and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.