Last day to apply for $1,200 in Harris Co. COVID-19 relief

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Harris County families in need can register to get $1,200 in coronavirus relief.

Harris County has issued a new $40 million COVID-19 relief fund to help residents in need during the pandemic that will be administered by Houston Catholic Charities.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 6.

The program will provide one-time payments of $1,200 to up to 33,333 families struggling with financial hardships related to COVID-19.

The money can be used for any type of emergency expense, such as housing, food, utilities, healthcare, childcare and transportation.

This is not a first come, first served enrollment. Instead, families will be selected randomly after the registration period ends.

Families can apply on their own without cooperation from a landlord or anyone else.

"Thousands of families across Harris County have struggled to overcome the financial damage from COVID-19," said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. "While this relief will not reach everyone who needs it, we must do everything in our power to help those who are vulnerable pull through."

The fund is entirely need-based, and the money will be distributed equally across the county's four precincts.

To qualify, you must live in Harris County, prove the pandemic has impacted your income and earn below the median family income line.

Harris County residents living inside the city of Houston will not be excluded.

Applicants may apply online at CatholicCharitiesHelp.org.

Since the application process requires applicants to upload documents, all applications must be submitted online. Those who want help or who have questions may call the hotline at 832-990-1318 Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In La Porte, the city has launched the "La Porte Cares Emergency Household Assistance Program" for residents impacted by COVID-19. Residents may be eligible to receive up to $2,000 that can be used for rent, mortgage and utility assistance (excluding water). Funding will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. The program application opens at 8:00 a.m. Friday, November 6, and closes at 11:59 p.m. on November 13.

You have to live in the city of La Porte to be eligible. The program is open to only those who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 including job loss, reduced hours, reduction in pay, increased healthcare expenses, added childcare expenses, etc.

Apply on the program's website.