The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) is offering assistance to families who were displaced by recent flooding in five counties of East Texas.The DETCOG Regional Housing Authority is accepting applications from affected persons in Newton, Shelby, Tyler, Hardin, and Jasper counties. These counties were included in the recent disaster declaration issued by Governor Greg Abbott.

"We understand the urgency of the situation and are committed to providing swift assistance to those in need," said Lonnie Hunt, Executive Director of DETCOG. "Because of the disaster declaration in these counties, we are able to expedite the issuance of housing vouchers to persons who were displaced by the flooding.If they qualify under the HUD income guidelines, we can issue them a voucher quickly.”

The DETCOG Housing program assists almost 1,800 families throughout its 12-county service area. The program is in such demand that there is a wait list, and it typically takes months from the time an applicant is added to the wait list until they can receive a voucher.Applicants from Newton, Shelby, Tyler, Hardin, and Jasper counties that were displaced by the flooding will automatically go to the top of the wait list so they can be processed without delay.

This special application window will close on May 31, 2024. To assist the affected families, DETCOG Housing staff will be available in each of the counties on the following dates and locations from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm:

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Kirbyville Public Library

210 S. Elizabeth

Kirbyville, TX 75956

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Trout Creek Volunteer Fire Station

2092 FM 2829

Call, TX 75933

Friday, May 3, 2024

Southeast Texas ADRC Office

5125 Westgate Lane

Lumberton, TX 77657

Monday, May 6, 2024

Tyler County Nutrition Center

201 Veterans Way

Woodville, TX 75979

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Joaquin Community Center

164 Leggett Street

Joaquin, TX 75954

Applicants must provide evidence of a principal residency in Newton, Shelby, Tyler, Hardin, or Jasper County, along with documentation supporting that their dwelling is unlivable due to flooding or severe weather damage. Applicants must also provide documentation of their household income.

Preference will be given to applicants who are involuntarily displaced and not living in standard permanent housing or will be displaced within six months. Involuntary displacement includes vacating or needing to vacate due to the natural disaster (flooding) which occurred during the week of April 9, 2024, in the specified counties. Documentation of residency can include lease agreements, deeds, voter registration, government photo IDs, or insurance policies.

Applicants who are unable to apply in person at one of the locations listed above may also apply by contacting the DETCOG Regional Housing Authority at (936) 238-7771, extension 5321.