Where to Start With Rental Assistance in Fort Bend County

Emergency rent help in Fort Bend County runs through several groups, and money is limited. The Texas Rent Relief program closed in 2023, and a county program funded by federal pandemic money has been described as reopened in 2025 but may not be open today, so confirm before counting on it.

A good first step is Fort Bend LINC, a shared online application that several county and nonprofit partners use. Fort Bend County Social Services also takes appointments for help with rent, utilities, and groceries. Nonprofits such as Second Mile Mission Center in Missouri City and Katy Christian Ministries in Katy can help people apply. Other groups, including Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army, have listed rent help, but their funding opens and closes, so call first. NeighborSTAND lists each one with a phone number and a note when we have not been able to confirm details.

Most programs ask for a photo ID, proof of income, your lease, a late notice or Notice to Vacate, and a W-9 or similar from your landlord. Keeping these in NeighborSTAND Documents saves time. An approved payment may take weeks, and it does not by itself stop a case that has already been filed, so tell the program about your court date and ask whether they can speed up.

Be careful of anyone who asks for a fee to apply for assistance. Real programs do not charge.

What to do.

Apply to more than one program, keep a log of who you called and when, and use the app's call tracker. If you have a hearing coming up, bring any proof of a pending application to talk about with an advocate.

Every eviction case is different, so it's always a good idea to confirm the details with a qualified legal advocate before making any decisions. NeighborSTAND's Resources page lists legal aid for Fort Bend County.