The Direct Assistance for Limited Home Repair (DALHR) program may be available for Texans recovering from Hurricane Harvey. The program provides repairs to homes with moderate damages so applicants who lack available resources can live in their home again.
The DALHR program is one of several housing solutions for Texans. FEMA determines if applicants are eligible and pairs them with the best available housing solution to meet their individual needs. Not everyone will be eligible, but FEMA along with GLO will provide support to those who qualify.
The first step to be considered eligible for direct housing assistance is to be registered with FEMA. Applicants can check on their status by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, calling 1-800-621-3362/TTY 1-800-462-7585 or visiting a local disaster recovery center.
If applicants meet the criteria, they will be contacted regarding their next steps.
Eligibility
Applicants may be eligible for DALHR if they are pre-disaster home owners whose residence has undergone a FEMA-issued inspection with a FEMA verified loss of at least $17,000.
Specific considerations for DALHR include:
- Repairs will be completed within 90 days from the start of the repair work.
- Needed repairs cannot cost more than fifty percent of the market value of the home and may not exceed $60,000.
- Repairs are needed to make the home livable that are not covered by insurance or an SBA loan.
- Any home located within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) will not be considered for DAHLR repairs unless in accordance with applicable federal and local laws.
- To prevent a duplication of benefits, participants will be required to provide documentation and receipts for used FEMA financial repair assistance and/or return all unused assistance received for home repair to FEMA or decline DAHLR assistance and keep any financial repair assistance already received.
DALHR participants must reside in a county designated for Direct Housing.
- Designated counties are: Aransas, Austin, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Lavaca, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Refugio, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Tyler, Victoria, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.
Repairs under DALHR
Direct home repairs are limited to real property components such as heating, plumbing, ventilation and air conditioning, walls, floors and ceilings.
- Repairs may not cover structural elements or other items requiring architectural or other engineering services.
- Repairs cannot be made to items eligible under other assistance programs, such as furnishings and appliances.
- Repairs are NOT intended to fully restore the home to its pre-storm condition.
GLO and local government entities will identify contractors for the repairs.
GLO or local government entities may walk through the repaired property with the homeowner prior to move-in to ensure the repaired structure complies with guidelines and standards.