TEXAS, USA — The first of the month is just around the corner, meaning it is about time for the first round of bills during the pandemic for Central Texans. If you have struggled with effects from COVID-19 in some capacity and you may be worried about making ends meet.
Rent/Mortgages:
On March 18, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Trump Administration suspended foreclosures and evictions for 60 days with properties with federal housing administration loans.
In Texas, most eviction proceedings in the state are suspended until April 19. The state's supreme court issued an emergency order.
"This decision by the Texas Supreme Court offers a lifeline to many Texans who are beginning to feel the economic impact of COVID-19," Governor Abbott said.
But all of this doesn't mean you stop paying rent. The Texas Apartment Association is a nonprofit for the Texas rental housing industry and represents rental professionals. They say a property manager can still issue you a notice to vacate the property for not paying rent. It means they plan to pursue an eviction.
As we continue dealing with these fluid times T.A.A released guidance for renters amidst the coronavirus.
Local resources:
Central Texas Council Of Governments, Housing Assistance
Main office address - 302 E Central Ave.
Belton Texas, 76513
Phone number - 939-5724
This government agency can coordinate permanent supportive and transitional housing for low to moderate-income individuals and families.
Central Texas Youth Services Bureau, Option House
Address: 601 Parmer
Killeen Texas 76541
Dial 632-2085
Individuals can start with transitional housing, which can be provided for 2 years or less. At the same time, the non-profit will work on finding more permanent supportive housing for the needy in Bell County Texas. A shelter is run on-site too.
Families in Crisis
P. O. Box 25
Killeen Texas, 76540
Main phone number - 634-1184
This is a United Way affiliated and supported agency serving Bell County and surrounding communities. Get direct financial aid and the agency cal also provide details on rental assistance and other low-income housing solutions.
Project F.U.T.U.R.E.
305-A Blair Street
Killeen 76541
Phone: 634-0117
This project is a Transitional Living Program for individuals who are ages 16-21 years.
Killeen Housing Authority
The address is 731 Wolf Street
Killeen 76541
Main phone number
A number of services are offered by the government agency. Among them include getting help applying for rent help, transitional and permanent housing.
Salvation Army of Killeen
501 N. 2nd Street
Killeen, Texas 76540
Dial the charity organization at 634-7172 or call 634-7717
A number of services are offered, including assistance with rent, electric bills, shelter, thrift store, and more. Get details on a wide number of financial assistance and housing programs and solutions, most of which are focused on stopping evictions.
Churches of Bell County
210 North 16th St.
Killeen Texas 76540
Phone: 554-3400
Get information on housing programs as well as limited household items and appliances. The program was started from a partnership of Memorial Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, and LifeWay Fellowship.
Central Texas Housing Consortium / Temple Housing Authority
700 W. Calhoun Avenue
Temple Texas 76501
Telephone number - 773-2009
Get information on both emergency rent help as well as affordable housing in Belton and Temple Texas. The rent that clients need to pay is based on their income. It will be at most 30% of the applicant’s gross income (less allowable deductions). Eligibility for these vouchers will be determined by HUD income guidelines. A great place for information on many publics assistance offerings.
Temple H.E.L.P. Center - Rental Assistance
Temple, TX 76501
(254)770-6842
This non-profit agency may be able to provide financial assistance and loans for paying rent, utilities, and other basic housing needs as funds are available.
Family Support Services, Bell County Human Services
Killeen, Texas 76541
Dial the center at - (254)519-3360
Coordinates various county, State of Texas, and government programs. Learn about and apply for section 8 vouchers, the homeless prevention and rapid rehousing program, and other resources for the low income and unemployed. The goal is to keep people in their homes and apartments by helping with rent if possible or help people find new housing by offering services such as security deposit assistance.
Utilities:
When it comes to electric, water and sewer the Public Utility Commission of Texas addressed changes following the pandemic.
On March 26, the P.U.C. responded to the Texas disaster declaration to help those dealing with the pandemic.
For water and sewer, those regulated by the commission are suspending disconnection if people are unable to pay right now.
When it comes to electricity, it is different because it depends on if you are in an area with retail competition.
Dependent on your area, it can be one of a few options.
- Suspend disconnections for non-payment.
- Offer a deferred payment plan to any residential customer (if requested).
- Suspend disconnections for customers who have been added to the state’s unemployment and low-income list due to the effects of COVID-19.
For a full layout: click here.