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Frequently Asked Questions
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How can the
Housing Resource Center help me? |
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The HRC assists residents in buying houses, finding apartments,
and overcoming challenges to stay in their own homes.
Use our online interactive property search to find an apartment
or call (713) 578-2055 and press 5.
The HRC does not directly give money or rent housing to
residents. However, we refer clients to appropriate
organizations that offer emergency, transitional, and long-term
housing and supportive services, such as emergency financial
support for rent and utilities.
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Who may use the
HRC services? |
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The services the HRC provides are available to anyone with a
phone or access to a computer. You can also use computers at
community centers and neighborhood libraries to log on to the
HRC Web site.
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Can I use the
service more than once?
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Yes! Whenever you have a housing question,
you can access our Web site and recorded telephone helpline as
many times as you like.
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Who else would
benefit from the HRC?
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Our Web-based information is resourceful for
community organizations, landlords, builders, developers,
financial institutions, and others seeking information on
affordable housing and networking opportunities.
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Does the
Housing Resource Center provide vouchers or financial assistance
for housing? |
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No, the Housing Resource Center does not have
funds or vouchers for housing. Section 8 vouchers are
distributed through the county and city housing authorities,
when the programs open their lotteries.
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To find out
when Section 8 vouchers will become available: |
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City of
Houston Housing Authority
(713) 260-0600.
Harris
County Housing Authority
(713) 578-2100.
Or about the home buyers program with Section 8 vouchers, call
(713) 578-2111.
Email for
info.
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When is the
telephone helpline available? |
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The recorded telephone helpline at (713)
578-2055 can be called 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The
resource information is in Spanish, Vietnamese, and English.
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What is the TTY phone number for the hearing impaired? |
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 The
HRC TTY phone line is (713) 578-2096.
Dial 711 or (800) 735-2988 for voice
relay, in addition to the TTY machine.
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Will I find
information on more than just affordable housing? |
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There is also information on supportive
services for all kinds of housing issues and concerns.
Basically, the HRC wants to be known as the first place to call
for any Harris County housing information.
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Our
organization is looking for a speaker on housing issues, do you
provide this service? |
Yes, the HRC has access to specialists in
many aspects of housing. We can provide speakers for
neighborhood organizations, non-profits, and social service
providers. Call 713.578.2087. Or
email us.
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What is the
population of Harris County? |
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According to the U.S. Census bureau, the
estimated population in Harris County in 2005 is 3,644,285.
For more information on Harris County HUD programs, go to the
Harris County Community Services Department's
Web site.
Click here.
More questions?:
E-mail us or call (713) 578-2087.
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What type of
information and resources can you help me with? |
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We can help you find resources and information on the following
needs:
household
bills or utilities / emergency financial assistance;
information
on how to buy a home;
safe and
immediate shelter;
affordable
and
specialized
rental housing;
downpayment
assistance programs;
the review
of choices for long-term care facilities;
homebuyer
education courses; and
finding
mortgage lenders who are familiar with affordable housing. |
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Are you looking
for affordable Rental Housing? |
The HRC assists individuals in finding safe and
affordable housing. Searches can be performed for rental
property 24/7 by accessing the affordable housing link or by
calling 713-578-2055. Operators trained to help callers
search the database of available properties answer the line
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Click here to search for rental property.
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Are you looking
for assistance to purchase a home? |
The HRC provides resources pertaining to
downpayment assistance,
homebuying counseling agencies, and
affordable home builders.
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Are you looking
for assistance to repair your home? |
The HRC can link you with resources for
home
repair.
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Are you a
senior or person with a disability looking
for housing? |
The HRC provides resource information for
seniors and
disable
individuals to assist them in locating safe and affordable
properties.
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Have you
received a foreclosure or eviction notice? |
The HRC can link you with resources that help
individuals with foreclosure prevention services and
emergency financial assistance.
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Are you looking
for an emergency shelter? |
The HRC can provide you with a list of shelters
that provide assistance in
emergency situations.
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Are you in need
of emergency financial assistance for rent or
utilities? |
The HRC can link you with resources that help
individuals with
emergency financial assistance.
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Have you
experienced discrimination in the
purchase or rental of your home? |
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Please report discrimination experiences to the
following agencies: the City of Houston at 713-868-8400,
The Houston Apartment Association at 281-933-2244, The
Greater Houston Fair Housing Center at 713-641-3247, and
The Texas Commission on Human Rights at 1-888-452-4778.
The HRC can link you with resources that help individuals with
discrimination. |
