The Texas Access to Justice Foundation, the state’s largest funding source for civil legal aid, today announced it received an additional $20 million in funding from the Texas DepartmentofHousingandCommunity Affairs to continue the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

TAJF was awarded the first $20 million in August 2021 to help Texans access legal help with housing issues experienced during the pandemic.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides legal information and representation to Texans so they can maintain or obtain housing. The announcement comes after the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs granted this additional $20 million in funds to support a second year of the program’s legal services through Aug. 31, 2024.

“Since 2021, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program has provided legal services and housing stability clinics to thousands of Texans across the state,” said Betty Balli Torres, executive director at TAJF. “The program’s work to keep Texans housed plays a vital role in our mission. With these funds, we can continue helping current and future generations of Texans.”

One of the most critical issues in Texas, TAJF recognizes the importance of providing legal services for countless residents affected by the housing affordability crisis. The funds received will allow Texans in eligible households who are at risk of losing their homes and previously unable to pay their rent with a full range of free civil legal services. These services include representation in eviction proceedings in justice of the peace courts, eviction appeals in county court and housing stability clinics.

“Our partnership with the Texas Access to Justice Foundation allows our organizations to help many Texans struggling with housing stability through invaluable legal services,” said Bobby Wilkinson, TDHCA executive director. “This additional funding will allow us to continue to provide vital support for tenants and landlords throughout the state.”

Following the initial round of funding, TAJF assisted more than 11,000 households through legal service. Negotiations for the additional $20 million in funds to support a second year of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program began in March 2022. The funds are provided to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program from the U.S. Treasury Department.

“These funds are crucial as civil legal aid is a vital component of the public response to and recovery from the current housing crisis,” Balli Torres said. “Legal aid is a safety net that keeps our fellow Texans from going over the edge. Without it, they might never recover even when the economy improves.”

For more information or to access legal help with housing issues, visit TexasLawHelp.org/ eviction-information.

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