The Texas Rent Relief Program has become the first in the nation to provide $1 billion in assistance, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announced on Thursday.   

According to the news release, the program has provided rent and utility assistances to more than 174,000 households. Another $52 million has been committed to being paid. These funds have reached 95% of the counties in the state.  

The program, which was launched in mid-February, still has more than $900 million in relief funds still available.  

To apply for the program, call 1-833-989-7368 or submit an application online at texasrentrelief.com. The call center is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

To qualify for assistance, households must be at or below 80% of the area median income and meet other criteria. Landlords are encouraged to apply on behalf of tenants, who must co-sign the application.