Evictions resume following COVID-19 delays in Smith County
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TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Time is running out for Texas tenants who are behind on rent and are now at a higher risk of being evicted.
Despite a federal halt on evictions through June 30th, the Texas Supreme Court’s emergency order expired on March 31st.
As a result Smith County Precinct 2 Judge Andy Dunklin heard many stories of struggle and need today in court as he resumed eviction hearings today.
“We have more apartment complexes than any other precinct. Matter of fact, we have more apartment complexes in this precinct than all the others combined,” Dunklin said.
Originally published on May 7, 2021 11:25 am
Ogas was laid off right as the pandemic hit. She d spent a career working on the business side of health care, and had a good professional network. She’d been laid off before, and always found another job.
Then, the shutdown happened.
“As a week turned into another week and turned into another week, it just became really scary,” Ogas said.
Ogas has spent countless hours over the past year navigating the unemployment system, searching for jobs and networking.
She cut back on household expenses, stopped going out to eat, and hasn’t gotten a haircut or a manicure in a year. That’s tough for a woman trying to make a good impression at job interviews, she said.
KERA News Mona Ogas was evicted from The Lodge at River Park while she waited on rental assistance from the Texas Rent Relief program.
When it launched in February, the Texas Rent Relief program struggled to help tenants who d fallen behind on rent due to the pandemic. In the first six weeks, just 250 Texans got help, out of the 72,000 people who applied.
Mona Ogas fell through the cracks.
Ogas was laid off right as the pandemic hit. She d spent a career working on the business side of health care, and had a good professional network. She’d been laid off before, and always found another job.
Here s more information on how you can apply for rent relief in Texas amid the pandemic. Author: Drew Knight Updated: 5:20 PM CDT April 30, 2021
AUSTIN, Texas As the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is administering $1.3 billion in emergency funding to help eligible Texans struggling to keep up with their rent and utility payments amid the pandemic, the Texas Rent Relief program on Thursday provided an update on its efforts.
Currently, the program employs more than 1,450 staff members. Many of them work seven days a week to help applicants across the entire state.
Assistance keeps on growing, with an average of $3.5 million approved each day. They say marked increases are seen weekly. Additionally, more than $53 million has been paid or is in the process of being paid.
How Much the State Pays Rent for Those in Need
AUSTIN, TX The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is administering $1.3 billion in emergency Federal relief funds to help cash-strapped Texans struggling to keep up with rent and utility payments during the pandemic.
The following provides data analysis of the Texas Rent Relief Program to date:
The program employs more than 1,450 staff, most working 7 days a week to help applicants across all 254 Texas counties.
Assistance continues to grow with an average of $3.5 million approved per day, with marked increases seen weekly.
Over $53 million has been paid or is in the process of being paid. The program prioritizes those at risk of eviction