Texas
Homeowner
Assistance
Texas Homeowner Assistance
This program gives eligible homeowners grants to cover past due mortgage payments, up to three (3) months of future mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, homeowner/condo association fees, past due utility payments, and up to three (3) months of prospective utility payments. Eligible utility payments include electricity, natural gas, propane, water, and wastewater. The program is administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) with funding provided by the Homeowner Assistance Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Cuantas personas se sirvieron 2021-2022.
Amy Young Barrier Removal Program
The Amy Young Barrier Removal (AYBR) Program provides one-time grants of up to $22,500 for Persons with Disabilities who need modifications to increase accessibility and eliminate hazardous conditions in their home. Program beneficiaries must include a Person with Disability, must have a household income that does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Family Income (AMFI), as defined by HUD for the HOME Program, and may be tenants or homeowners. Cuantas personas se sirvieron 21-22
Community Housing Development Organization
A Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) is a specially formed non-profit corporation established pursuant to federal regulations for purposes of accessing CHDO set-aside funds for the development of affordable housing made available through the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program. The HOME Investment Partnership Program is a federal funding source administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. CHDO funds, available from the State’s HOME allocation, are applied for through the standard State Housing Fund application process.
Contract for Deed Program
The Contract for Deed initiative funds colonia residents with converting contracts for deed into traditional mortgages. Households served under this initiative must not earn more than 60% of the Area Median Family Income (AMFI) and the home converted must be their primary residence. Contract for Deed involves acquisition or refinance, and may occur with one of the following additional activities:
Reconstruction or New Construction of site-built housing.
- Replacement of an existing Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU) with a new MHU; and
- Rehabilitation of colonia housing.
Counseling Services
The Counseling Program by the Alliance of Border Collaboratives is a crucial initiative aimed at supporting low-income families and individuals in the region. As an approved housing counseling agency by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), their program adheres to HUD’s standards, ensuring the highest level of professionalism and quality in their services.
Through the program, qualified and certified HUD counselors provide a range of counseling services to address various housing and financial matters. These services include pre-purchase homeownership counseling, foreclosure prevention counseling, rental counseling, budget and credit counseling, and reverse mortgage counseling.
The HUD-approved counselors work closely with families and individuals, offering personalized assistance and guidance to help them make well-informed decisions regarding housing, finances, and homeownership. The program aims to empower participants, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve stability in their living situations.
By focusing on education and preventive measures, the program also conducts workshops, seminars, and group sessions to enhance financial literacy and promote healthy financial management practices. This comprehensive approach seeks to break the cycle of poverty and foster self-sufficiency within the community.
As of 2023, the Alliance of Border Collaboratives continues to be a trusted resource for low-income families, providing vital counseling services approved by HUD, supporting their journey towards a more secure and prosperous future. For the most current information, it is recommended to visit the organization’s official website or directly contact them.
Legal Services
The Legal Services Program offered by the Alliance of Border Collaboratives (ABC) is a vital resource designed to provide legal assistance to low-income families in need of support to achieve housing stability. Through strategic partnerships with several law firms in El Paso County, the program addresses various legal matters that may hinder these communities from obtaining secure and sustainable housing.
The primary goal of the Legal Services Program is to empower low-income families with the legal representation and guidance they require to overcome housing-related challenges. These challenges may include eviction prevention, landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosure defense, fair housing discrimination issues, and other legal barriers that could jeopardize housing stability.
By collaborating with reputable law firms, ABC ensures that qualified and experienced attorneys provide dedicated support to the community. These attorneys have a deep understanding of housing laws and regulations, enabling them to offer tailored legal strategies that align with the unique needs of each individual or family.
The program operates with a client-centered approach, ensuring that each client’s rights and interests are protected throughout the legal process. Additionally, ABC endeavors to make legal services accessible to those who need them most, often offering reduced fees or pro bono assistance for eligible low-income families.
Furthermore, the Legal Services Program advocates for preventative measures and education to empower families with knowledge of their legal rights and responsibilities as tenants or homeowners. Workshops and informational sessions are organized to increase awareness of housing laws and regulations, equipping families to make informed decisions that contribute to long-term housing stability.
Through their partnership with law firms, ABC remains steadfast in its commitment to building a more resilient and secure community for low-income families. By addressing legal challenges related to housing, the Legal Services Program plays a critical role in supporting the overall mission of ABC to uplift and empower vulnerable populations in El Paso County, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access stable and affordable housing.