Houston housing office says $40 million winter-freeze recovery program is open

Houston’s Housing and Community Development office said a $40 million disaster-recovery program for residents affected by winter-freeze damage is now open and accepting applications.

“That program is now open,” said Cedric Lassagne, assistant director, housing community development, adding the program has two components: a reimbursement pathway of up to $10,000 and a rehabilitation or reconstruction pathway of up to $300,000. Lassagne said staff can assist residents with applications and documentation and can bring applications to a household or accept drop-offs at the department office. He also said the city expects to reopen its regular home-repair program within the next month.

The reimbursement pathway is intended for residents who already paid for repairs and seek repayment up to $10,000, while the rehab/reconstruction pathway is designed for deeper repairs or rebuilding, with a stated cap of $300,000. Lassagne said staff are available to help applicants who have difficulty completing paperwork or assembling documentation, and that a staffed table with information was present at the forum.

The program was described as city-administered disaster recovery funds specifically targeted to damage from the winter freeze; forum speakers did not state the specific funding source beyond that program name. The department offered in-person assistance and directed residents to the District B office and departmental staff at the forum for follow-up.

Council Member Tasha Jackson opened the forum and encouraged residents to use the district office as a follow-up contact for unresolved department responses. She said district staff will track calls and follow up with departments after residents also call 311.