Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush now knows first hand how much progress workers are making on a so-called “HAP” House – one funded through the Homeowner Assistance Program that’s in response to Hurricane Harvey’s devastation.
“We’re not quite there yet, but we’re working on it,” Bush said while talking to Juan and Juanita Rodriguez who will move into their new home in a matter of weeks.
So far only 2 “HAP” Houses are under construction. There’s the Rodriguez home on Market St. in Rockport and a second home in Victoria. Commissioner Bush toured both today.
“On a personal level, that’s why I entered public service is to answer the call of people in need,” Commissioner Bush said.
The Texas General Land Office, that Bush leads, is accepting applications for HAP. The agency will decide if you qualify and then notify you that it’s either time to build from the ground up or renovate if your home was only damaged and not destroyed.
“We’ve had hundreds of applicants statewide before, but we want thousands if not tens of thousands of Texans to apply,” Commissioner Bush said.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, supplied the $1.098 billion that’s available through HAP. Commissioner Bush says the money’s still available despite the government shut down. That’s a relief to the Rodriguezes who are ready to get out of the trailer they’ve lived in since Harvey hit.
“Very excited,” Juan said.
“Really excited, like thumbs up excitement,” Juanita said.
If your home was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Harvey and you’d like to apply for the Homeowner Assistance Program, you can start that process by clicking here.
