Family Relief Program

Mothers who are interested in Gracewood’s Family Relief Program should begin by reviewing the application criteria below. If you meet each of those requirements, please fill out and submit the online Family Relief application form. Applicants will receive a response after their application has been reviewed.

• Single mother with full-time custody of at least one child under age 18, all residing in the same home.
• Stable job (working full-time hours) and have been employed at your current job for more than 6 months. Pay stubs or proof of employment are required.
• Stable living situation (home owner or renter) and have been living at that address for more than 6 months.
• Able to provide a copy of current lease or mortgage. Applicant must be listed as the primary lessee or owner and be primarily responsible for a monthly rent or mortgage payment.
• Must have a reliable and fully insured personal vehicle.
• Able to provide valid U.S. driver’s license.
• No use of any controlled or illegal substance within the past 12 months.
• Must have a personal checking and/or savings bank account in good standing. Applicant must be able to provide monthly bank statements.
• Have not participated in any previous Gracewood program.
• Able to pass a background check.

Does the Family Relief Program provide housing for my family?

No, the Family Relief Program provides rental assistance to single mothers who already have stable housing. If you are in need of housing, please consider applying for our residential Family Care Program.

How much rental assistance will be provided?

Participants who are accepted into the program are eligible for $500 of rental assistance per month for the duration of the six-month program. This equals a total of $3,000 of assistance for participants who meet all program participation and attendance requirements.

Do I need to live close to the Gracewood campus to participate in the program?

In-person case management meetings, group cohort meetings, educational classes, and program support services are all located on Gracewood’s campus. To attend the required meetings, you will need to drive to Gracewood’s campus approximately 3 to 4 times per month. All participants should live within a reasonable driving distance of the Spring Branch area of Houston.

Is childcare available while moms are attending meetings on campus?

Yes, childcare is provided on Gracewood’s campus during scheduled client meetings and events. Childcare is available for all ages, and they will be supervised by Gracewood staff and background-checked volunteers.

How long can Family Relief Program participants receive assistance from Gracewood?

The Family Relief Program lasts for six months, and rental assistance is provided during that period only. After successful completion of the program, you may be eligible for Gracewood’s Aftercare Program, which continues to support former clients by providing access to clothing and food pantry support services.

If I don’t meet all of the application criteria above, could I still be eligible for the program?

No, applications that do not meet all the criteria will not be considered for the Family Relief Program. Additionally, please be aware that while it is not required for mothers to have English as their primary language, they do need to have a good understanding of the English language in order to interact with the staff and other families.