Homeowners

Both the City of Houston and Harris County offer home repair programs for their residents. Both the City and the County offer various levels of home repair services, and require the applicants are at or below 80% AMI (Area Median Income) and do not live in the floodway. Some non-profit organizations like Rebuilding Together also offer home repairs on a regular basis.

• City of Houston Home Repair: If you live in the City of Houston, the City offers multiple options for residents through their home repair programs. Applicants are required to be at or below 80% AMI (Area Median Income) and the property cannot be located in the floodway (find out here). Please note that funding is not always available as it is in high demand each year; call the City or visit their website to learn about current program status. To learn more, visit their website or call (832) 394-6200. 
• Harris County Home Repair: If you live in Harris County, the County offers multiple options for residents through their home repair programs. Applicants are required to be at or below 80% AMI (Area Median Income) and the property cannot be located in the 100-year floodplain or floodway (find out here). To learn more, visit their website or call  (832) 927-4957.
• Rebuilding Together: Rebuilding Together is a local nonprofit focused on helping to retain the character of Houston neighborhoods by keeping families in communities that they helped to build. They accomplish this through providing home repairs to local families to ensure homes are safe and can be passed from generation to generation. Their Community Revitalization home repair program is available to residents of East End (77003, 77011, 77012, 77023).and Third Ward (77004) who are at or below 80% AMI (Area Median Income). Apply online or call (713) 659-2511 to learn more.
• Rebuilding Together Veteran Program: Rebuilding Together also has a Veteran Home Repair Program that is available to veterans in need of repairs to structural, roof, and electrical and plumbing systems, accessibility and safety modifications, and light exterior work. Apply online or call (713) 659-2511 to learn more. 

Legal aid organizations can offer help with things like handling probate, bankruptcy and foreclosure processes, contesting ownership of your home, fixing liens, etc. Legal aid staff can work with you to provide guidance and resources, and in very limited circumstances, representation.

• Earl Carl Institute: The Earl Carl Institute is focused on empowering underserved and disenfranchised communities by addressing systemic social issues through legal representation, research, education and advocacy. The Institute offers services specific to property preservation including, but not limited to, real estate document review, bankruptcy, probate, and foreclosure prevention. To find out if you qualify, visit www.tsulaw.edu/centers/ECI/ or call (713) 313-1139.
• Lone Star Legal Aid: Lone Star Legal Aid is a nonprofit focused on protecting and advancing the civil legal rights of low-income Texans by providing advocacy, legal representation, and community education that ensures equal access to justice. Apply for assistance online, visit their website to learn more, or call (800) 733-8394. 
• Texas Law Help: Texaslawhelp.org is an online directory of free and low-cost legal aid providers. Visit their directory to find local assistance. 
• Houston Volunteer Lawyers: Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL) is a pro bono (free) legal services providers that serves low-income residents of the Greater Houston area. HVL specializes in family, housing, wills, veterans’ issues, taxes, and other non-criminal matters. To find out if you qualify for services, complete the online questionnaire here, or visit their website to learn more.

Financial coaching services are designed to help individuals meet their financial goals. Coaches and counselors work with you to understand your current financial situation, then build a plan and help you to get where you want to be. Credit counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors will discuss your financial situation with you in order to help you develop a personalized plan to achieve your credit goals.

• Avenue Community Development Corporation (CDC): Avenue is a local nonprofit that’s mission is to invest in people, homes and communities to advance equity and opportunity for all Houstonians. Avenue offers a number of no and low-cost financial services and programs for homeowners and homebuyers – learn more at www.avenuecdc.org or give them a call at (713) 864-9099.
• Tejano Center for Community Concerns: Tejano Center is a nonprofit that develops education, social, health, and community institutions that empower families to transform their lives. Tejano Center offers a number of no and low-cost financial services and programs for homeowners and homebuyers – learn more at www.tejanocenter.org or give them a call at (713) 640-3743. 
• Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation (CRC): Fifth Ward CRC is a nonprofit focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families in the 5th Ward community, and offers many financial wellness services and programs for homeowners. Learn more at www.fifthwardcrc.org or call them at (713) 674-0175.
• Family Houston: Family Houston is a nonprofit focused on creating a stronger community for tomorrow by helping individuals and families meet the challenges they face today. They offer no-cost financial coaching services – sign up online at www.familyhouston.org or call at (713) 861-4849.
• The Chinese Community Center: The Chinese Community center is a nonprofit focused on enriching families with educational, cultural, and social service programs. The Center offers no-cost career and financial services through their Financial Opportunity Center. Learn more at www.ccchouston.org or give them a call at (713) 271-6100. 
• Wesley Community Center: The Wesley Community Center is focused on investing in the potential of individuals and creating opportunities to strengthen families and build neighborhoods. They offer a variety of no-cost programs and services focused on financial wellness through their Financial Opportunity Center. Learn more at www.wesleyhoustonhouse.org or call at (713) 223-8131.

Post-purchase counseling provides new and existing homeowners the support they need to maintain their investment in their home. Homeownership comes with a number of challenges, and post-purchase counseling helps keep homeowners on track. Counselors will work with you to understand your goals and challenges, then provide the right support (guidance on how to deal with banks and/or mortgage companies, county appraisal district issues assistance, etc.).

• Avenue Community Development Corporation (CDC): Avenue is a local nonprofit that’s mission is to invest in people, homes and communities to advance equity and opportunity for all Houstonians. Avenue offers free post-purchase counseling services for individuals who have purchased a home – learn more at www.avenuecdc.org or give them a call at (713) 864-9099.
• Tejano Center for Community Concerns: Tejano Center is a nonprofit that develops education, social, health, and community institutions that empower families to transform their lives. Tejano Center offers free post-purchase counseling services for individuals who have purchased a home – learn more at www.tejanocenter.org or give them a call at (713) 640-3743. 
• Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation (CRC): Fifth Ward CRC is a nonprofit focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families in the 5th Ward community, and offers free post-purchase counseling services for individuals who have purchased a home. Learn more at www.fifthwardcrc.org or call them at (713) 674-0175.