Plain language summary
The city's plan to build or preserve 37,000 affordable units by 2030 — here's what's happening in your neighborhood.
Houstonians can get help buying their first home, fixing storm damage, or finding affordable rental housing through programs run by the city's Housing and Community Development Department. The 2025 update to Houston's affordable housing plan shows how federal and local money gets used to help people find safe, stable places to live.
The Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to thousands of dollars to help with down payments and closing costs. People who lost homes in Winter Storm Uri can get up to $100,000 for repairs or $300,000 for rebuilding. The city also funds new affordable housing construction and helps renters understand their rights.
Homebuyer workshops happen every quarter to teach people about the process. Virtual office hours run every Wednesday from 1 to 4 PM where anyone can call 832-394-6912 or 832-394-6121 to ask questions. People interested in storm recovery help can call 832-394-6200 or email singlefamilyeligibility@houstontx.gov.
The department holds community meetings each spring where residents can review the draft spending plan and suggest changes. This year's virtual meeting happens April 7 from 3 to 5 PM. District F residents attended an in-person meeting on March 31. Comments on the 2026 plan are due by April 8.
Applications for most programs stay open year-round. The department works with local nonprofits, real estate agents, and lenders to connect people with the right resources. Staff can help applicants figure out which programs fit their situation and walk them through the paperwork.
Who decides
This is a city-level decision. 18 officials in Houston City Council have a role.
Mario Castillo
City Council Member, District H (Democrat)
Willie R. Davis
City Council At-Large Position 2 (Democrat)
John Whitmire
Mayor of Houston (Democratic)
Alejandra Salinas
City Council Member, At-Large Position 4 (Republican)
Tiffany Thomas
City Council Member, District F (Democrat)
Chris Hollins
City Controller (Democratic)
Edward Pollard
City Council Member, District J (Democrat)
Carolyn Evans-Shabazz
City Council Member, District D (Democrat)
Sallie Alcorn
City Council At-Large Position 5 (Democrat)
Amy Peck
City Council Member, District A (Republican)
Twila Carter
City Council At-Large Position 3 (Democrat)
Julian Ramirez
City Council At-Large Position 1 (Republican)
Fred Flickinger
City Council Member, District E (Republican)
Joaquin Martinez
City Council Member, District I (Democrat)
Abbie Kamin
City Council Member, District C (Democrat)
Martha Castex-Tatum
City Council Member, District K (Democrat)
Tarsha Jackson
City Council Member, District B (Democrat)
Mary Nan Huffman
City Council Member, District G (Republican)

















