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Housing and Community Development Department

Housing Department LogoThe City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) provides the leadership and financing to make affordable homes and neighborhood revitalization happen in Houston. Currently, the Department administers over $100 million annually in various federal, state and local programs. From investing in neighborhood parks, multifamily communities and economic development, to providing first-time homebuyer assistance and funds to serve the homeless, elderly and disabled -- HCDD works to improve the quality of life for Houston’s neighborhoods and families.

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Draft Guidelines for Proposed Programs: Hurricane Harvey

The City of Houston will receive $1,175,954,338 in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds for assisting in long-term housing recovery from Hurricane Harvey. To receive this funding, the City must submit guidelines to the Texas General Land Office for approval.

Single-Family Guidelines:
  • Click here to view the draft guidelines about the Homeowner Assistance Program (HoAP) (revised 10.30.18)
  • Click here to view the draft guidelines about the Harvey Recovery Small Rental (HRSR) Program (revised 10.30.18)

These single-family draft guidelines are available for review and public comment from Tuesday, October 16, 2018 through Saturday, December 1, 2018. Public comments may be submitted by email to: Kennisha.London@houstontx.gov or by mail to: HCDD, ATTN: Kennisha London, 601 Sawyer Street, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77007

Multifamily Guidelines:
  • Click here to view the draft guidelines about the Disaster Recovery (DR-17) Multifamily Rental Program

The multifamily draft guidelines is available for review and public comment from Thursday, November 8, 2018 through Saturday, December 8, 2018. Public comments may be submitted by email to: Kennisha.London@houstontx.gov or by mail to: HCDD, ATTN: Kennisha London, 601 Sawyer Street, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77007

Draft Needs Assessment and Local Action Plan for Disaster Recovery: Hurricane Harvey

The City of Houston will receive $1,175,954,338 in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds for assisting in long-term housing recovery from Hurricane Harvey. To receive this funding, the City must submit a local action plan to the Texas General Land Office (GLO), which will be incorporated into the State of Texas Plan for Disaster Recovery: Hurricane Harvey – Round 1 as a substantial amendment. This local action plan is prescribed by the GLO and includes a local needs assessment, budget, program descriptions, and expenditure timelines for the City’s expected allocation of CDBG-DR funds.

  • Click here to view the Local Action Plan Summary (para ver en español, haga clic aquí)
  • Click here to view the entire Local Action Plan
  • Click here to view the Community Feedback about Harvey Recovery (para ver en español, haga clic aquí)
  • Click here to view an interactive map that shows social vulnerability by census tract.

The City must also submit a local needs assessment to the GLO. The needs assessment will assist in developing outreach strategies and programs using CDBG-DR funds. The draft local needs assessment is available for public comment through Sunday, November 4, 2018. Please send comments by e-mail to Fatima.Wajahat@houstontx.gov or by mail to HCDD, ATTN: Fatima Wajahat, 601 Sawyer, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77007.

  • Click here to view the draft Hurricane Harvey Housing Needs Assessment (public comment ends Sunday, November 4)
  • Click here to view a fact sheet about the Needs Assessment.

Homeowner Reimbursement Program: Hurricane Harvey

In fall of 2018, the City of Houston will launch a Homeowner Reimbursement Program to reimburse homeowners for eligible Harvey-related repair expenses. The Homeowner Reimbursement Program is one of five programs the City of Houston will launch to assist homeowners with home repair. Program guidelines outlining the specifics of the program are being developed now. The tip sheet (below) advises residents about how to prepare to apply to the Reimbursement Program as they make repairs.

  • Click here to view the Homeowner Reimbursement Program Tip Sheet (para ver en español, haga clic aquí)
  • Property located within the floodplain (i.e. Special Hazard Area,100-year floodplain or floodway) may require a Floodplain Development Permit. For more permit information visit: https://houstonrecovers.org/repairtips/
  • Electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors making repairs must be registered with the City of Houston and licensed by the State of Texas and purchase a permit. All electrical work must be completed by a licensed electrician.

SAY YES to Quality Homes for All Incomes, In All Areas!

To increase awareness of the need for affordable home development in Houston, HCDD has launched an outreach campaign entitled “Can I Be Your Neighbor?”. The campaign aims to create a well-informed community discourse through targeted educational presentations and informational materials. “Can I Be Your Neighbor” is intended to decrease misconceptions and opposition to affordable home development and promote quality homes for all incomes in all areas of Houston. To learn more about this campaign visit www.houstontx.gov/housing/SayYes.

We invite you to take a survey to give us your views on affordable homes in Houston (click here for survey link).

New Streamlined Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)

The City's Homebuyer Assistance Program has recently been revised with new guidelines and increased financial assistance. This program provides funds to approved applicants to assist in paying down payment, closing costs, and principal buydown on their home purchase. Visit our Homebuyer Assistance Program for full details and a list of FAQ's.

MWSBE and Section 3 Applications

Are you interested in becoming a Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBE) or Section 3 vendor with the City of Houston? Click on one of the links below to get started.