How the City of Waco Supports Tenants Through the EOAC Rental Assistance Program

The City of Waco/McLennan County Emergency Rental Assistance application process is now closed. But applications received before October 1st will be considered.

If you have any questions, please email MclennanCORentalAssistance@wacotx.gov or call (254)750-8000.

Residents of McLennan County who need rental assistance after October 1, 2021, can apply with EOAC at: eoacwaco.org/community-services/emergency-rental-assistance-program-era/.

If you have any questions, please call 254-756-0954 or email: communityservices@eoacwaco.org.

About The Program

The McLennan County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MCERA) aids families in crisis with rent payments directly or indirectly impacted by a loss of income, significant costs, or other financial problems.

The MCERA project will provide up to 12 months of rental assistance to help families avoid eviction. Aid comprises rental and utility assistance for families who qualify and meet the income requirements of the US Department of the Treasury.

Program Details

Qualified households receive financial assistance for various reasons, including rent and rental arrears, utilities and home energy bills, and utility and home energy cost arrears.

Payment in full of arrears is possible and limited to a maximum of 12 months to the landlord and utility companies as of March 13, 2020. (excluding telephone, cable, and internet).

Payments to landlords or utility companies are limited to three months and may not exceed twelve months (excluding telephone, cable, and internet). Every three months, you must reapply for more assistance. Utility assistance includes assistance with power, gas, water, and sewer.

Details of Assistance

Applications for financial assistance and housing stability services from eligible households will be reviewed and prioritized if the applicant fits the following criteria:

• The household’s income does not exceed 50% of the region’s typical household income.
  At least one family member is unemployed as of the date of the application and has been so for the previous 90 days.
• Because of a public health order made by the City, County, or State in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the employer’s location is closed, and the applicant cannot report to work.
• Following the preceding priority cases, applications from tenants who have been sued for eviction are examined first, followed by applications from renters who have received utility disconnection notices. Priority is being given to these petitions to speed processing and increase the likelihood that evictions and utility disconnections will be diverted.
• The McLennan County Emergency Rental Assistance Program will examine and handle all remaining applications after processing all priority applications. All non-priority applications will be assessed and handled on a first-come, first-served basis until all monies are committed.

Patrick K