Rent Assistance in Houston, TX

Much of Houston's rent help is closed or limited right now, and it depends on your ZIP code. Northwest Assistance Ministries chooses applicants by a monthly lottery. West Houston Assistance Ministries takes calls for appointments on Monday mornings. Catholic Charities lists its City of Houston court-ordered eviction program and its Harris County rental help as closed.

Call 211 to ask what is open near you.

Last checked: November 4, 2026. Benefits Explorer is a private directory, not a government agency. We do not take applications, provide rent money or decide eligibility. Each program makes its own decisions.

Harris County sends rent assistance questions to 2-1-1, and its pages do not say whether money is available today. Call before you gather paperwork.

Rent Help in Houston

Northwest Assistance Ministries Rental Assistance

Who it serves: NAM's ZIP code service area in northwest Harris County. Ask NAM whether yours is included.

Apply online. NAM runs a random selection on the 1st of each month, and if you are not picked you must apply again. You must prove an unexpected income loss, an emergency expense you paid, or used-up savings. Being selected does not guarantee funding, and review takes at least 7 to 10 business days.

Read about Northwest Assistance Ministries Rental Assistance · Phone: (281) 885-4555 · Status not confirmed. Call first.

West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM)

Who it serves: ZIP codes 77036, 77042, 77057, 77063, 77072, 77077, 77082, 77083 and 77099. WHAM sends other ZIP codes to 211.

Limited funds for rent, utilities, hotels or childcare, with no income limit. You must register with WHAM first, with ID, proof of income and proof of residence. Its page gives two different Monday registration times, so ask. Appointments are by phone on Mondays starting at 10 a.m., first come, first served, until the week's funds run out, and your call may not be answered. Office at 10501 Meadowglen Lane.

Read about West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) · Phone: 713-780-2727, ext. 200 · Status not confirmed. Call first.

Harris County Community Resilience Rental Assistance

Who it serves: Low-to-moderate-income Harris County households

Aims to prevent eviction and homelessness. The county sends eligibility questions to 2-1-1. Its page does not say whether City of Houston residents are excluded, so ask.

Read about Harris County Community Resilience Rental Assistance · Phone: 2-1-1 · Status not confirmed. Call first.

Catholic Charities Rapid Re-Housing

Who it serves: Low-to-moderate-income households in the City of Houston who are homeless

For people who have already lost housing, through Coordinated Access and The Way Home. This line also covers Permanent Supportive Housing. It is not for back rent.

Read about Catholic Charities Rapid Re-Housing · Phone: 832-531-6041 · Status not confirmed. Call first.

Harris County Housing Support Intake Line

Who it serves: People in Harris County experiencing homelessness. Not for couch surfing or unstable housing alone.

Quick referral to income-based housing programs. Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Read about Harris County Housing Support Intake Line · Phone: 832-531-6041 · Status not confirmed. Call first.

City of Houston tenant and landlord line

Who it serves: Houston

The Housing and Community Development Department lists this complaints and appeals line, option 1, and TenantLandlord@houstontx.gov. It is not a rent payment program. For urgent help, the city also points to 2-1-1.

Read about City of Houston tenant and landlord line · Phone: (832) 394-6200 · Status not confirmed. Call first.

Facing Eviction in Houston?

Harris County's Eviction Defense Program offers free legal advice and representation to county residents at or below 200% of the poverty guideline, with priority for those who lost income or face eviction from hardship. Call 832-927-4955. Texas evictions go through justice court, and an appeal must be filed within 5 days of judgment, per the State Law Library. Read Harris County: Eviction Defense Program

Free or low-cost legal help: Lone Star Legal Aid. Lists eviction defense among its services. Use its office finder or apply online. Lone Star Legal Aid website · Phone: 713-652-0077

See general eviction deadlines in Texas. Always go by what your papers say.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short. Contact legal aid about your case.

Houston Programs That Have Closed

You may still see these programs online. Check before you spend time on an application.

  • Catholic Charities Court-Ordered Eviction Program (City of Houston): Its page says the application is currently closed. It required City of Houston residence, an active court order or date, a signed lease and a government ID.
  • Catholic Charities Rental Assistance, Harris County: Listed as closed on its housing page.

Looking for federal ERA or CARES Act money? That has ended.

Avoid Rent Help Scams

Be careful with anyone who asks for a fee to apply or promises approval. Use the official links on this page, and don't share your Social Security number or bank details with a site you reached from an ad or a text.

More Help in Texas

Sources (checked November 4, 2026):