Houston Flood and Storm Repair Help That Isn't FEMA: What's Open Heading Into 2027
If your Houston home took water or wind damage and FEMA either denied you, paid too little, or never opened assistance for your storm, you're not out of options. But it pays to know which programs are actually taking applications. Several of the big city programs you may have heard about are closed or waitlisted right now, and calling the wrong office can cost you weeks.
This guide covers who to call for repair help in Houston and Harris County outside of FEMA, what each program requires, and how to protect yourself while you wait.
First, a Reality Check on the Big City Program
The City of Houston's DR24 Single-Family Home Repair Program was built for homes damaged by the May 2024 derecho or Hurricane Beryl. It's generous: up to $100,000 for repairs, or up to $300,000 to rebuild a home that can't reasonably be repaired. Getting FEMA money before doesn't automatically disqualify you.
However, the city says it is closing out Phase 1 because of the overwhelming response, and it isn't issuing new applications until further notice. If you already applied, you can check your status with your application ID on the program's dashboard. You can also call (832) 394-6200 or email singlefamilyeligibility@houstontx.gov.
If you never applied, it's still worth calling to ask about a future phase. Just don't plan your repairs around it. The basic rules for Phase 1 were a primary residence inside Houston city limits, outside a designated floodway, and household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). Priority went to households with someone 62 or older, someone with a disability, or a disabled veteran.
The city's older Home Repair Program, including the version for 2015 flooding events, has used up its funding. Unserved applicants stay on the list.
Harris County Home Repair (Seniors and Homeowners With Disabilities)
Harris County Housing & Community Development (HCD) runs a separate Home Repair Program. It fixes health and safety hazards in homes owned and lived in by very low- to low-income residents. To qualify, the homeowner must be 62 or older, or have a disability (no age limit for disabled homeowners).
Apply: Download the pre-application from HCD's Home Repair page. Email the completed packet to HomeRepair@harriscountytx.gov or mail it to 8410 Lantern Point Dr., Houston, TX 77054.
Call: (832) 927-4955.
Check your address first. The county's page has an "Is my home located in the Harris County Service Area?" tool. County programs often exclude the City of Houston, which runs its own.
HCD also lists a Beryl/Derecho Minor Home Repair program and a Health & Safety Improvements program for septic and water well repair. Call the same number to ask whether they're open and whether your address qualifies.
Nonprofits That Repair Homes for Free
These groups don't require a disaster declaration. They fix roofs, structural damage, and safety hazards for low-income homeowners. Funding is limited, so apply early and expect a home inspection.
Rebuilding Together Houston. All repairs are free. The group says it won't put a lien on your home, and its staff and contractors will never ask you for money. Current programs include:
Veterans (all of Harris County): For veterans who own and live in a single-family home, with household income at or below 80% AMI. Repairs include roofs, structural, electrical and plumbing work.
East End and Third Ward: For ZIP codes 77003, 77011, 77012, 77023 and 77004, with income at or below 50% AMI.
Extreme Weather and Wheelchair Ramp programs: These change based on funding. Call (713) 659-2511 to ask what's open for your address.
Basic rules for all programs: You must be current on property taxes or have a payment agreement with the county tax office, and you can't own more than one property.
Houston Habitat for Humanity: Critical Home Repair. This program serves low-income seniors (62+) and veterans. Habitat's 2026 repair form says limited funding means it's prioritizing critical life-safety repairs, including roof damage, mold remediation and other hazards. Have your deed or property tax statement ready, because the form asks for the owner's name exactly as it appears on those documents.
If the House Is in Your Late Parent's Name
This is one of the most common reasons Houston homeowners get turned down for repair help. If the deed is still in a deceased relative's name, many programs can't confirm you own the home.
Lone Star Legal Aid helps low-income families establish heirship and clear titles so they can qualify for repairs and disaster aid. Its disaster team also handles contractor disputes, landlord problems after a storm, and proof-of-ownership issues.
Call: (713) 652-0077 or (800) 733-8394. Phone intake runs 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Apply online: Online intake is open anytime.
In person: 1415 Fannin Street, open weekdays.
If Your Home Keeps Flooding
If your home floods again and again, a repair grant may only buy you time until the next storm. The Harris County Flood Control District runs a voluntary home buyout program for homes deep in the floodplain that flood repeatedly from the bayous and creeks it manages.
To start, submit the online "Notice of Voluntary Interest" form. It doesn't commit you to selling. Questions go to the buyout hotline at (346) 286-4020. Not every flooded home qualifies, because the purchase has to make sense for the district's flood plans. Still, it's a real option many homeowners never hear about.
Protect Yourself While You Wait
Photograph everything before you tear anything out, and keep receipts for every repair or cleanup cost.
Never pay a contractor in full upfront. If someone pushes you to sign over insurance checks or pay cash today, walk away. Legitimate nonprofit programs don't charge homeowners at all.
Ask about permits. In a floodplain, large repairs can trigger rules about elevating or rebuilding to code. Call 311 before major work, so you aren't forced to redo it later.
Stay current on property taxes, or get a payment plan. Most nonprofit repair programs require it.
Related Guides
If repairs are draining the money you need for rent, food or bills, these Houston guides list churches and nonprofits that can help in the meantime:
Closing Thoughts
Repair help in Houston is real, but it's scattered and often waitlisted. Your best bet is to apply to more than one program at once. Try the county program if you're a senior or have a disability, plus a nonprofit like Rebuilding Together or Habitat. If a title problem is in your way, call Lone Star Legal Aid first, because that one fix opens most other doors. And if your home floods every few years, it may be time to ask about a buyout.
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