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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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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.

Draft Application for Housing Buyout Program for 2016 Flood Events

The City of Houston must submit an application to the Texas General Land Office to receive $23 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds for assisting in recovery of the 2016 Texas Floods (CDBG-DR16). The application proposes that CDBG-DR16 funding be used for a Housing Buyout Program, which may include the purchase of single-family and/or multifamily properties, the relocation of residents, and the demolition of purchased homes.

A meeting will be held to present and receive public comment on the Draft Application for a Housing Buyout Program on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 6 p.m. at the Lone Star College Victory Center, 4141 Victory Street, 77088. Written comments may be submitted to mary.itz@houstontx.gov through Friday, August 31, 2018.

  • Click here to view the Draft Application for the Housing Buyout Program for CDBG-DR16
  • Public Meeting Flyer (English) (Español)

Local Action Plan for Disaster Recovery: Hurricane Harvey

The City of Houston will receive $1,155,119,250 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)

HCDD Hurricane Harvey Response

As Houstonians work to recover from Hurricane Harvey’s devastating flood waters, HCDD has been at the center of the response and recovery efforts. Since opening the George R. Brown as a shelter for over 10,000 flood survivors at its peak of occupancy, we have remained committed to helping our friends and neighbors move beyond the storm.

HCDD’s disaster recovery assistance includes:

  • Working with FEMA, Houston Endowment, Harris County, Coalition for the Homeless, Houston Housing Authority, New Hope Housing and other local partners, to identify and fund at least six months of rent in apartments and college dormitory-style housing for residents leaving the Red Cross shelters
  • Coordinating with other city departments and Lone Star Legal Aid to resolve lease and habitability concerns between landlords and tenants in multifamily communities impacted by flooding

For the comprehensive list of Harvery resources visit HoustonRecovers.org and Harvey Housing Assistance.

Home Repair Scams

Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor. Scams are common, especially following a major storm, flood, or other weather event when many homeowners are trying to repair their houses. The Office of the Attorney General of Texas offers the following links for reporting home repair scams and choosing contractors.

Latest News and Announcements

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.