rent/utility assistance resources for residents impacted by COVID-19 Expanded
GEORGETOWN, TX (Oct. 7, 2020) – Since shelter-in-place orders were issued in late March, The Salvation Army Williamson County Service Center has received a 60 percent increase in the number of requests for rent and utility assistance. With an expected spike in requests for help during the coming months, The Service Center has ramped up its resources to meet the community need, including the addition of six temporary employees to support the massive client financial assistance distribution through December 30.
The Salvation Army is working with the Wilco Forward Phase III program, along with The Caring Place and the Round Rock Serving Center, to distribute $5 million in CARES Act funding for rent and utility assistance to county residents. The Service Center is also partnering with three area agencies to assist clients who do not have access to a computer or need help with the required documentation. Once the application is finalized, it can be processed by The Service Center.
People who need assistance can contact one of these agencies for an appointment:
Community Resource Centers of Texas, Inc.
Phone: 512-548-5091
Address: 155 Hillcrest Lane, Suite B
Hours of operation: 9:30 am-12:30 pm; 1 pm-3 pm
Contact name: Robbie Shader, Site Coordinator
Hill Country Community Ministries
Phone: 512-259-0360 x 201
Address: 1005 Lacy Drive, Leander, TX 78641.
Hours of operation: Friday 9 am-noon; 1 pm-3 pm
Operation Liberty Hill
Phone: 512-778-4175 (Ask for Susan)
Address: 1401 N Hwy 183, Leander, 78641
Hours of operation: Tues. 9 am -5 pm; Thurs. noon-6 pm
CARES Act eligibility requirements
• All residences needing assistance must be in Williamson County
• Funding will include the rent amounts for up to three months based on the lease agreement, including late fees
• For approved applications, the resident must request additional funds after the first month of assistance as needed
• Up to $1,500 of utility assistance per residence
• Applicant must show evidence that assistance is needed due to COVID-19 repercussions
In addition to CARES Act funding, The Salvation Army has been awarded $50,000 from the Georgetown Health Foundation to be used for families affected by COVID-19.
“Through grants, federal assistance, and the generosity of those who give to our organization, we are rising to the challenge of helping those in our community who have been impacted by the pandemic,” said Laura Spradlin, Williamson County Service Center Director. “We have been a beacon of light for so many in Williamson County, but it’s going to take a collective effort from our partners, donors, and government agencies to support those in need.”
A large portion of donations from the annual Wilco Gives fundraiser on Sept. 24, which raised tens of thousands of dollars, will also be allocated for rent and utility assistance for 2020-2021. The event was streamed online for the first time in its history and is an example of how The Salvation Army is innovating its fund-raising techniques to support those devastated by the pandemic.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been supporting those in need for more than 131 years in Central Texas. The Williamson County Service Center provides financial assistance and a food pantry, along with other programs and services to Williamson County individuals and families who are living in the first stages of financial crisis. The goal is to prevent homelessness by helping people become self-sufficient again. Other programs offered by the Service center are a character building and music program, summer camp for the children and community outreach to a disadvantage neighborhood. For more information, go to SalvationArmyAustin.org/williamson-county-service-center.