The home of Samuel Bravo’s mother may look beautiful today, but the journey to repair it has been long and costly since the devastating winter storm Uri struck Texas in 2021. The storm’s freezing temperatures caused pipes across the state to burst, leaving many families with serious damage to their homes. Bravo recalls that in his mother’s house, all the water and drainage pipes froze and burst beneath the foundation, leading to major structural and plumbing issues.
Insurance covered only about half of the needed repairs, forcing the family to pay between eight and ten thousand dollars out of pocket just to re-level the home and fix damaged pipes. Like many other homeowners across Fort Worth, Bravo is still working to fully restore the property, repairing it little by little. Now, he hopes to get additional support from a new city program designed to help families recover from the long-lasting impact of storm Uri.
The City of Fort Worth has announced the launch of the Homeowner Assistance Repair and Rehabilitation Program, known as HARRP, which provides $27 million in funding to assist low income families affected by the winter storm. The program aims to relieve financial burdens for those who suffered extensive property damage that their insurance policies did not fully cover. According to city officials, the funds can be used to address a variety of essential home repairs, including damage to flooring, plumbing, electrical systems, hot water heaters, and windows.
Director of Neighborhood Services Kacey Thomas explained that the program is specifically designed to address ongoing repair needs rather than reimburse work already completed. This means homeowners who have already paid for repairs cannot be compensated retroactively, but they can apply for assistance to cover new and upcoming work. Applicants must provide photos of the storm damage and documentation proving that the problems were directly caused by Uri. This step ensures that funding goes to families who continue to struggle with storm-related issues rather than unrelated home improvements.
For families like the Bravos, this program could make a tremendous difference. Samuel Bravo emphasized that if his family receives support, they plan to continue fixing the house piece by piece until it is fully restored. Many others across Fort Worth are expected to apply, with the city encouraging eligible homeowners to submit applications promptly once the process opens. The application window begins on August 25 and will remain open for 90 days, giving residents ample time to gather the necessary documentation and apply for assistance.
Winter storm Uri remains one of the most damaging weather events in Texas history, leaving millions without power and water, and causing billions of dollars in damages. In Fort Worth alone, countless homes faced broken pipes, structural damage, and other repair needs that many families could not afford to cover. Programs like HARRP are seen as essential steps in helping communities rebuild and providing relief to homeowners who have struggled financially for years since the storm.
City leaders stress that this program reflects an important investment in helping vulnerable populations recover. Low income families, who often lack financial cushions or savings to manage sudden crises, were hit hardest by Uri’s destruction. Many continue to live in homes that have not been fully repaired, creating unsafe conditions. By providing targeted funding, Fort Worth hopes to ensure that these families can restore their homes to safe and livable conditions.
As the program moves forward, officials also encourage community organizations to spread the word so that as many families as possible are aware of the available assistance. For residents who qualify, the grants can help bring stability and security after years of uncertainty. For many, like Samuel Bravo’s family, the promise of new repairs represents not just fixing a house, but restoring peace of mind after the trauma of storm Uri.
With the application period soon opening, Fort Worth homeowners who are still living with lingering damage from Uri now have a chance to move closer to recovery. The $27 million in funding is a recognition of the lasting hardships the storm left behind, and a reminder that rebuilding takes time, resources, and continued support.
