How Do I Get Emergency Housing Assistance in Texas? Emergency housing assistance in Texas is crucial for individuals and families facing homelessness, eviction, or displacement due to disasters. Whether you are at risk of losing your home, fleeing an unsafe situation, or recovering from a natural disaster, Texas offers a network of federal, state, and local programs to provide immediate shelter, rental assistance, or transitional housing. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to navigating these resources.
How Do I Get Emergency Housing Assistance in Texas
Call 2-1-1 (or 1-844-USAGOV1)
2-1-1 Texas: This is your gateway to local support services, including emergency shelters and rapid rehousing programs. Staff are trained to assess your needs and refer you to others.
Alternative to the U.S. government: You can also call 1-844-USAGOV1 for nationwide assistance.
Local Continuum of Care (CoC) and Public Housing Authorities
CoCs coordinate shelter, rapid rehousing, and permanent housing services in each community. They often manage HUD-funded vouchers and case management.
Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV): A federal program that distributes approximately 70,000 vouchers nationwide to people facing or fleeing homelessness or domestic violence.
For example, residents of Bexar County (San Antonio) can apply for assistance through the Bexar County Housing Authority by contacting Homeless Connections at (210) 207-1799.
Austin/Travis County residents can contact the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) or the Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC).
State-Administered Programs (through TDHCA)
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs offers:
Emergency Housing Fund: Helps prevent homelessness, secure housing, and support shelters by distributing donation-funded grants.
Housing Stability Services (HSS): Emergency rental assistance through federal pandemic-era (ERA1/ERA2) funds for low-income households.
HOME-ARP Funding: Provides one-time funding for rental housing or non-congregate shelters (individual units) for vulnerable Texans.
To apply, visit the TDHCA website or call your regional office to find local partners.
Read Also: Apply for Free Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Texas
County and City Emergency Assistance Programs
In some areas, county-run programs, often using CARES or ARPA funds, offer assistance for short-term rentals, utilities, mortgages, and motel vouchers:
Dallas County Emergency Housing Assistance Program: Offering up to $1,500 per month for six months through a lottery.
Check your county’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or Community Services website for similar initiatives.
Nonprofit Shelters and Rapid Rehousing Programs
Large shelter networks, such as Houston’s Navigation Centers and San Antonio’s Haven for Hope, offer immediate beds and case management.
Nonprofit organizations such as Endeavors (San Antonio/Austin/Houston) offer:
- Rapid Rehousing: limited-term rental assistance and supportive services.
- Permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
- Financial assistance for homelessness prevention.
- Faith-based programs, such as Family Promise chapters, offer rotational housing and support to families.
- Domestic violence shelters, such as the South Texas Women’s Shelter, offer refuge for survivors.
- Local resources are often available through 2-1-1, the City Council, or city homeless services websites.
Legal Assistance and Advice
The Texas Legal Services Center and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid offer free legal assistance, especially in eviction prevention, domestic violence cases, and lease disputes.
If you are facing eviction, these organizations can also connect you with emergency funds and negotiate with landlords.
How to Apply for Emergency Housing
Contact 2-1-1 or the United Way: a toll-free helpline (1-800-251-5222) that connects you with local housing resources, shelters, and rental assistance programs.
Visit local housing agencies: Many counties have specialized housing offices. For example:
- San Antonio Housing Authority: sa.housing.org
- Austin Office of Housing and Urban Development: austintexas.gov
Apply for FEMA assistance: If your situation is disaster-related, apply online or by phone.
Contact nonprofit organizations directly: Many organizations accept emergency applications by email or in person.
Eligibility Criteria
Most programs require:
- Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, unemployment history).
- Documentation of housing instability (e.g., eviction notice, utility shutoff letter).
- Residency in Texas for at least 30 days.
- To get emergency rental assistance, income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Step-by-Step Guide
- Call 2-1-1 (or 1-844-USAGOV1) to get started.
- Inform them about your situation (e.g., if you are homeless, at risk, fleeing violence).
- Get referrals to local shelter programs and Child Care Centers (CoCs).
- Ask about Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs): Check if your CoC or PHA has any vacancies.
- Explore TDHCA programs for help with rent, mortgage, and utilities.
- Check out county or city assistance, such as the Dallas County EHAP.
- Contact nonprofit organizations for rapid rehousing or transitional shelter.
- Seek legal help if eviction, domestic violence, or landlord issues arise.
Tips and Things to Know
Eligibility often depends on income thresholds, recent homelessness, or your status as a domestic violence survivor.
Waiting lists are common, especially for vouchers and shelter beds; be proactive.
Documentation is key: ID, lease/rental books, income statements, utility bills, police reports (for domestic violence).
Manage your case: Programs with ongoing support offer better outcomes.
Advocacy is important: If you are placed on waiting lists, follow up regularly with your case manager.
Final Thoughts
Texas offers a wide range of emergency housing options through coordinated federal, state, county, and nonprofit programs. Acting quickly and utilizing multiple channels (2-1-1, CoC, PHAs, TDHCA, nonprofits, and legal assistance) will give you the best chance of obtaining temporary shelter and moving toward stable housing.
