Housing Assistance is Here

TBRA stands for Tenant‑Based Rental Assistance. It is funded through the federal HOME‑ARP program and administered in Oklahoma by OHFA. It can help cover rent and, in some cases, utilities for eligible households.

TBRA is not a general rent‑assistance program. It is targeted to people who are homeless, about to become homeless, or escaping domestic violence, human trafficking, or similar threats to safety.

Applications must be submitted through a trained local helping organization:

If You Are Currently Homeless

• The Lighthouse – (918) 336‑9029

• B‑The Light – (918) 288‑0009

If You Are Escaping Domestic Violence or Trafficking

• Ray of Hope – (918) 337‑6177

• Grand Mental Health (you must be or become a client) – (844) 458‑2100

If You Are Facing Imminent Homelessness

• Salvation Army of Bartlesville – (918) 336‑6454

If You’re Not Sure Which Fits Your Situation

• Community Health Care of Bartlesville (CHC/OK) – (918) 214‑8081

Local agencies help you complete the application and submit documents, but OHFA makes the final determination of eligibility.

To be considered for TBRA, a household must fall into at least one of these categories:

1) Currently Homeless

Examples include:

• Living in a shelter

• Living in a car, park, campground, or place not meant for human habitation

• Losing housing within days with no other place to go

• Exiting a short‑term institution (jail, hospital, foster care, etc.) and having nowhere to return

2) At Risk of Homelessness

Examples include:

• Very low income (generally below 30% of Area Median Income)

• An eviction or termination notice

• Living with others due to financial hardship

• Hotel or motel stays not paid by a charity or government program

• Overcrowded or unsafe housing

• Exiting a publicly funded institution or system of care

3) Fleeing Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Trafficking

People who are currently fleeing or attempting to flee dangerous or life‑threatening situations are eligible.

4) Other Qualifying Situations

Examples include:

• Temporarily housed through emergency help but still at risk of becoming homeless again

• Exiting foster care, healthcare facilities, or correctional institutions

• Veterans and veteran families who meet one of the categories above

Yes. TBRA is limited to very low‑income households, generally those below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI).

OHFA verifies income using pay stubs, benefit letters, tax records, and government databases (such as DHS and unemployment records).

No. The TBRA program does not provide housing placement or guarantee that housing will be found.

TBRA connects eligible households to rental assistance funding, but applicants are responsible for finding a landlord and housing unit that will accept the TBRA voucher and meet basic housing quality standards.

Some local agencies may be able to offer limited guidance or referrals, but this program itself does not include a housing navigator or placement service.

Applicants should expect to provide:

• Full household details (names, ages, relationships, Social Security numbers, disabilities)

• Proof of housing situation (homelessness, eviction risk, DV/trafficking status)

• Income documentation (pay stubs, Social Security or SSI letters, unemployment, child support, benefits)

• Asset information (bank accounts, vehicles, retirement accounts, property)

• Household expenses (medical costs, childcare, disability‑related costs)

• Criminal background disclosures (drug‑related or violent offenses)

• Citizenship or eligible immigration status for all household members

• Signed consent forms allowing OHFA to verify income, employment, DHS, and unemployment data

All adults (18 or older) in the household must sign multiple forms.

Possibly. Certain recent drug‑related or violent criminal activity, methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing, or lifetime sex‑offender registration can result in denial or termination of assistance.

All such history must be disclosed.

An OHFA specialist reviews the packet. If anything is missing, OHFA contacts the referring caseworker for corrections or additional documents.

Eligibility is not final until OHFA completes verification.

• TBRA is not guaranteed. OHFA makes all final decisions.

• Funding is limited and assistance is typically first‑come, first‑served.

• Each local agency may have its own intake process and policies.

• All local agencies are helping on a volunteer basis. No local agencies or individuals are receiving payment for assisting with this program.