The Housing and Community Development Department (“HCDD”) recommends Council approve an Interlocal Agreement (“Agreement”) between the City of Houston (the “City”) and the Texas General Land Office (“GLO”) allowing for up to $424,000,000.00 in reimbursement, as estimated by GLO, for costs incurred by the City in connection with the provision of direct temporary housing assistance for individuals and households affected by Hurricane Harvey.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) is authorized to provide financial assistance and direct services to individuals and households who, as a direct result of a major disaster, have necessary expenses and serious needs that they are unable to meet through other means. FEMA and GLO entered into an Intergovernmental Service Agreement (the “IGSA”) on September 22, 2017 to govern the provision of direct housing assistance. In furtherance of the direct housing mission under the IGSA, GLO and the City wish to enter into the Agreement to provide support to residents impacted by Hurricane Harvey at a local level. GLO will administer the direct housing assistance program and the City will manage the housing options. FEMA will be responsible for determining eligibility of applicants and approving the final direct housing option implemented. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may include the following:
Multi-Family Lease and Repair Program (MLRP): Allows the option to enter into lease agreements with owners of multi-family rental properties located in disaster areas and make repairs or improvements to those properties in exchange for providing temporary housing to disaster survivors.
Manufactured Housing Units/Recreational Vehicles (MHUs/RVs): Manufactured Homes and Recreational Vehicles provided for use as temporary housing.
Direct Lease: Allows the option to enter a direct lease with a property owner for properties not usually available to the public, such as corporate lodging resources.
Permanent or Semi-Permanent Housing Construction: Home repair or construction services up to $60,000.00 when no alternative housing resources are available or practical.
The acceptance of these funds does not require any changes to City ordinances related to restrictions on the use or placement of recreation vehicles.
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Tom McCasland, Director