Mortgage/Rent & Utility Assistance Program

The City's Mortgage, Rent, and Utility Assistance Program (MRU Program) is funded by the CARES Act CDBG-CV funding allocated to the City by the Housing and Urban Development. The program is designed to assist eligible citizens of Odessa directly impacted by COVID-19 pandemic with mortgage, rent, and/or utility assistance. Payments are made on behalf of the eligible applicant(s) directly to the Mortgage company, landlord, and utility company. 

Citizens of Odessa that meet the Program Eligibility Requirments below should contact our office to be placed on the waiting list. The City's Program is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

2023 Annual Income Limits

Household Size
Annual Income Limit
1
$43,900
2
$50,200
3
$56,450
4$62,700
5$67,750
6$72,750
7$77,750
8$82,800

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Affected by COVID-19: The applicant must have been affected by COVID-19 according to the program guidelines. 
    • Head of Household must have lost employment or have had their monthly income reduced to 50% or more due to reduced employment hours related to COVID-19.
  • Citizenship: All applicants must be U.S. citizens or have long-term legal residency status. 
  • Income guidelines: The total household income cannot exceed the income limits set by HUD. This program assists low to moderate-income families as defined by HUD as 80% or less of the Area Median Income for the household size. 
  • Property: The property must be located within the city limits, and the applicant must be listed as the Mortgagee, Tenant, and/or named on the utility bill. 
  • Residency: Applicants will be required to provide proof of residency such as lease agreement, mortgage statements, and or utility (Gas/Electric) statements.
  • Drug and Criminal Activity: Residents of the property cannot have a felony conviction within the last 5 years.