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Homeless Prevention: CTL Launches COVID-19 Rental Assistance

August 20,2020

Reposted from The Center for Transforming Lives

Prior to COVID-19, Catrina was working 40 hours a week in the hospitality industry while raising two boys, who attend CTL's Early Childhood Education centers for 0 to 5-year-olds. Although her income was low, her paychecks were steady, and with CTL providing free childcare, Catrina could work and
make enough to provide for her small family.

Then in late March, Catrina's hours were drastically cut due to COVID-19. With meager savings and less income, Catrina did her best to pay her bills and feed her children. By May, Catrina could only make partial rent payments.

Terribly scared of losing her home and being on the street with
two young boys, Catrina tried to earn income cleaning houses, but with COVID, those opportunities were few. In June, Catrina couldn't find enough money for rent and faced the reality - she and her boys would become homeless.

Fortunately, a case manager at CTL realized the situation and accessed CTL's new Rental Assistance program -- a service that assists low-income families throughout Tarrant County who have experienced a loss of income due to COVID.

Considered homelessness prevention by many -- the short-term Rental Assistance program is far less expensive and less traumatic for families than helping them recover from homelessness.

The new CTL program provides up to three months of emergency rental assistance to approximately 215 families who have been impacted by COVID-19. CTL will also offer economic mobility services, such as financial coaching, career coaching, asset building education, and access to a credit improvement program. CTL is preventing homelessness and keeping families in their homes – it’s what is best for children.