DETCOG offers housing assistance to families displaced by recent Southeast Texas flooding

BEAUMONT, Texas — Deep East Texas Council of Governments is offering housing assistance to families who were displaced by recent Southeast Texas flooding in five counties that were included in recent disaster declarations issued by Governor Greg Abbott. 

DETCOG Regional Housing Authority is accepting applications from affected residents in Newton, Shelby, Tyler, Hardin, and Jasper counties.

“We understand the urgency of the situation and are committed to providing swift assistance to those in need,” said Lonnie Hunt, Executive Director of DETCOG. “Because of the disaster declaration in these counties, we are able to expedite the issuance of housing vouchers to persons who were displaced by the flooding. If they qualify under the HUD income guidelines, we can issue them a voucher quickly.”

Applicants from Newton, Shelby, Tyler, Hardin, and Jasper counties that were displaced by the flooding will automatically go to the top of the wait list so they can be processed without delay, according to a release from DETCOG.

There’s currently a demand for the program and some applicants will be placed on a waitlist. It could take months from the time an applicant is added to the wait list until they can receive a voucher. 

The application widow will close on May 31. 

Here’s some locations where you can sign up for housing assistance: 

• Friday, May 3, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Southeast Texas ADRC Office 

5125 Westgate Lane , Lumberton, TX 77657

• Monday, May 6, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tyler County Nutrition Center

201 Veterans Way, Woodville, TX 75979

• Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Joaquin Community Center

164 Leggett Street,  Joaquin, TX 75954

Here’s what applicants need to apply: 

• Applicants must provide evidence of a principal residency in Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Shelby and Tyler County, along with documentation supporting that their dwelling is unlivable due to flooding or severe weather damage.  
• Applicants must also provide documentation of their household income.
• Preference will be given to applicants who are involuntarily displaced and not living in standard permanent housing or will be displaced within six months. 
• Involuntary displacement includes vacating or needing to vacate due to the natural disaster, such as flooding, which occurred during the week of April 9, in the specified counties. 
• Documentation of residency can include lease agreements, deeds, voter registration, government photo IDs, or insurance policies.  

Other Items Required:

• Identification Cards: Picture identification cards or a drivers license are required for all members of household age 18 and over.
• Childcare Expenses: Report these expenses that enable you to work or attend schooling or training programs
• Student Status: Provide verification of full-time student status from the registrar’s office and a copy of financial aid award letter.
• Assets: Provide one current bank statement for checking and one bank statement for savings accounts, savings certificates, contract of deed, real estate, stocks and bonds, life insurance whether in a bank or credit union.
• Proof of disaster: Qualified families must have evidence of principal residency in Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Shelby or Tyler County along with documentation to support that their dwelling is unlivable due to flooding or other severe weather damage.
• Documentation may include insurance determination of total loss or unlivable, evidence of temporary housing assistance provided by Red Cross or other community service organization as a result of damage to the residence during the severe weather event which occurred during the week of April 9, 2024. 
• If you are a renter and the unit is unlivable as a result of flooding, a vacate notice from your landlord is acceptable documentation.
• You must submit all documents at the time you complete your application.
• If all documents are not received, they will not be able to process your application and you may not be considered for assistance.

Applicants who are unable to apply in person at one of the locations listed above may also apply by contacting the DETCOG Regional Housing Authority at (936) 238-7771, extension 5321. 

DETCOG Regional Housing Authority is located at 1405 Kurth Drive Lufkin, TX. 75904. Their fax is (844) 976-1212.

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