In 2020 The Paso del Norte Community Foundation, in partnership with the City and County of El Paso, launched the EP Rent Help program to provide assistance to El Pasoans who were at risk of eviction or homelessness due to the pandemic. The program helped thousands of individuals who had been impacted by reduced work schedules, unemployment, or inability to work due to health issues caused by COVID-19.  

“It has been a privilege to support our community through the EP Rent Help program. We are grateful that we were able to help thousands of El Pasoans keep a roof over their heads during these trying times,” said Mica Short, Vice President of Development for Paso del Norte Community Foundation. “In partnership with the City of El Paso and El Paso County, we successfully managed more than $38 million in rental assistance for El Pasoans struggling to pay rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Paso del Norte Community Foundation remains committed to serving our community through response and resilience during challenging times like the pandemic.”

Since its inception, the EP Rent Help program has provided more than $38 million to thousands of tenants and landlords in the City of El Paso and  El Paso County.

The EPRentHelp.org portal is now closed as all funds for the program will be exhausted this month.  Tenants and landlords who applied before funds were exhausted and are currently waiting to receive funds will be paid within the coming weeks. 

Community members living within El Paso County but outside of city limits in need of rental and/or utility assistance can now apply for direct support through our local United Way’s El Paso United initiative.  To learn more, contact United Way of El Paso County at (915) 400-7401 or their community partner, A.Y.U.D.A., INC at (915) 851-0272.  Those interested may also visit A.Y.U.D.A., INC’s facilities at 1325 Beverly Ann Dr., San Elizario, TX 79849 or AYUDA’s Downtown Community Assistance Service Office at 221 N. Kansas St., Ste. #725, El Paso, TX 79901 for more information and support. 

 El Pasoans still in need of assistance are encouraged to call the 211 helpline or the County of El Paso’s General Assistance Department at (915) 546-8150 to learn more about other public funding available for residents.