So far, 400 Hays County residents have applied to the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. But with four ERA employees processing the applications, the process is moving slowly.

For more efficiency in processing applications, Hays County will expand the ERA program through the Community Assistance Program (CAP), which will train more people to help with the paperwork.

“This new guidance allows more flexibility and a more rapid deployment of funds,” said Wesley Matth...