Austin launches Emergency Home Repairs initiative to help homeowners recover from severe winter storm damages

Austin, TX – The City of Austin is launching an Emergency Home Repair initiative to assist low-income homeowners repair widespread damages due to the February 2021 Severe Winter Storm, also known as Winter Storm Uri.

The initiative is part of the City of Austin’s comprehensive response to the winter storm and can provide income-eligible applicants up to $10,000 in repairs or modifications.

Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) will administer the Emergency Home Repair. This effort will be funded through a variety of public and private sources, including Austin Water, General Obligation Bonds, and a grant from Bank of America, which will help support efforts underway.

“We appreciate the ongoing collaboration with our local non-profit organizations and the Austin Home Repair Coalition to do our part to help our community heal,” said Housing and Planning Director Rosie Truelove. “With their assistance, the City of Austin will be able to address hundreds of emergency home repairs and ensure that our low- and moderate-income homeowners are able to remain in safe, healthy, and accessible homes.”

The Housing and Planning Department currently administers a variety of home repair programs for low- to moderate-income Austinites.

These programs make homes safe, healthy, and accessible for a range of homeowners, including seniors and people with disabilities.

Program Structure

HPD/AHFC staff will be responsible for application intake, basic eligibility review, and resource referral. HPD will utilize seven experienced, local non-profit organizations that currently administer the General Obligation Bond funded home repair program (GoRepair!) to carry out approved repairs.

Up to $10,000 in funding will be provided directly to the non-profit after all approved work has been completed as agreed upon by the non-profit staff, the homeowner, and the contractor.

Types of Repairs

Eligible repairs include repair or replacement of:

• Wall/Floor removal 
• Sewer lines 
• Gas lines 
• Water lines and/or water damage 
• Roof 
• Electrical System 
• HVAC units 
• Plumbing fixtures – including sink pipes and toilets damaged by frozen conditions
• Mold remediation 

Requirements and Eligibility

Eligible participants include:

• Homeowners within the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction;
• Household incomes at or below 80% Median Family Income (MFI);
• Participants must have experienced damage(s) to their primary residence as a result of the February 2021 Texas Severe Winter Storm, causing harm to the life, health, or safety of the occupants; and
• Participants cannot receive duplicate benefits through FEMA or insurance proceeds. 

Applicants will provide basic documentation to determine eligibility, including the following: 

• Application  
• Proof of Household Income  
• Proof of Identity  
• Proof of primary homeowner occupancy 
• Proof of damage(s) that occurred as a result of the February 2021 Texas Severe Winter Storm 

Qualifying homeowners may apply Emergency Repairs, in English or Spanish, from the home repair program webpage. Applicants with questions or in need of assistance may visit home repair program webpage, email hpdcs@austintexas.gov, or call 512-974-3100 or 3-1-1.