Fort Bend County Homeowners Can Now Apply for Recovery Assistance After 2024 Disasters
Fort Bend County residents who are still recovering from a series of devastating weather events in 2024 now have access to new support. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has officially launched its Homeowner Assistance and Reimbursement Programs, designed to help families rebuild or recoup repair costs after federally declared disasters—including those that heavily impacted the Fort Bend community.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced the rollout of the recovery effort earlier this week, emphasizing the scale and importance of the initiative. “The Texas General Land Office’s housing programs have helped more than 12,000 Texas families rebuild their homes – and their lives,” said Buckingham.
Last year was particularly harsh for Fort Bend County. In April 2024, weeks of severe weather and heavy rainfall resulted in widespread spring flooding, prompting FEMA to open four disaster recovery centers in the area. Then in mid-May, a powerful derecho tore through Southeast Texas, producing 100-mph wind gusts and multiple EF1 tornadoes. The event caused major damage and led to eight deaths across the Greater Houston area.
Just weeks later, Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda on July 8 as a Category 1 storm. Fort Bend County suffered over $20 million in damage, from downed trees and structural harm to prolonged power outages. Tragically, two Fort Bend residents drowned during the storm. The county was subsequently added to the federal Major Disaster Declaration list, making residents eligible for state and federal aid.
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To help homeowners begin or complete repairs, the GLO has allocated $244.1 million for the Homeowner Assistance Program, which funds repairs or reconstruction of primary residences. A separate $43.1 million is available through the Homeowner Reimbursement Program, which reimburses homeowners for qualified out-of-pocket repair expenses incurred after the storms. Reimbursement amounts range from $3,000 to $75,000 for stick-built homes, and up to $50,000 for manufactured housing units.
Eligible activities under the program include home rehabilitation, reconstruction, and related elevation or demolition work. The program’s primary goal is to support homeowners affected by disasters, while also upholding the principles of the Fair Housing Act by actively promoting fair and equitable housing opportunities.
The assistance is available only for homes that are the applicant’s primary residence. Applicants can apply to just one of the two programs—either for repair or reimbursement—not both.
“In 2024, many Texas communities experienced significant damage from severe storms including devastating straight-line winds, tornados, and Hurricane Beryl,” Buckingham said. “While many communities are familiar with the GLO’s housing efforts, many are new to the programs.”
The goal, she added, is to make sure all eligible Texans know help is available. “We hope homeowners still struggling to recover in the 27 eligible counties will visit recovery.texas.gov/apply to learn more and apply.”
How to Apply for Home Recovery Assistance
Homeowners in Fort Bend County are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications for both programs will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Before applying, residents should gather the necessary documentation using the checklist available online.
To apply or learn more about eligibility, visit recovery.texas.gov/apply. For help with the application process, residents can also email cdr@recovery.texas.gov or call 1-844-893-8937.
Who Qualifies for Home Recovery Assistance?
Residents of 27 Texas counties are eligible for these programs, including Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Matagorda, and Wharton. HUD awarded a total of $555.7 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to support statewide efforts tied to the 2024 disasters, which include severe storms, tornadoes, and Hurricane Beryl.
While Harris County and the City of Houston are administering their own share of funding—$67.3 million and $314.6 million respectively—the Texas General Land Office is managing the programs for the remaining counties.
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Urging Community Awareness
The GLO is also pushing for widespread community outreach to ensure no eligible homeowner is left unaware. Share this article on social media, and forward the link to family, friends, and neighbors. With the memory of recent disasters still fresh and hurricane season ongoing, getting the word out is critical for continued recovery.
Buckingham concluded, “We hope homeowners still struggling to recover... will visit recovery.texas.gov/apply to learn more and apply.”
As Fort Bend County rebuilds from a tumultuous year, this new wave of aid offers a meaningful path forward for many local families.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for ongoing updates and resources about disaster recovery programs in Fort Bend County and surrounding areas.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
