COVID-19 assistance available through Harris Co. and Catholic Charities

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Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has been appointed by Harris County as the administrative agency for $40 million in emergency financial assistance. The help is available to those experiencing financial distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Harris County COVID-19 Emergency Direct Assistance Fund will provide 33,333 families with one-time payments of $1200,” Catholic Charities said in a statement released to the press.

The program’s application period began Nov. 2 and is open through Nov. 6. Those wishing to apply may do so by visiting www.catholiccharitieshelp.org or calling 832-990-1318. Applications may be submitted by telephone through 8 p.m. Friday; however, those enrolling online have until 11:59 p.m. Friday evening to complete their applications through the website. Applicants should visit the Catholic Charities website prior to applying in order to determine what documentation will be needed in order to apply.

“Applicants are encouraged to check their spam folder and to promptly respond to calls/texts about assistance about the program, to ensure they do not miss out on the opportunity for aid,” the statement read.

According to the press release, those receiving the funding – which was awarded to the county through the federal CARES Act – may spend it on housing, food, utilities, health care, child care, transportation and other necessary expenses.

Aid awards will not be issued on a first-come-first-served basis, the news release said. Instead, all qualifying applicants with completed documentation will be entered into a pool and randomly selected to ensure fair distribution of the funds.

Applicants of all faiths and backgrounds living in any portion of Harris County will be considered, the statement said.

Harris County, CARES Act, Catholic Charities, COVID-19