Homeless Assistance in Texas

Homeless Assistance in Texas

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Texas residents.

27,200+
People experiencing homelessness
500+
Assistance programs statewide
$1.2B+
Federal housing funds
254 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in Texas within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Texas residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Texas. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Texas. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Texas veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Texas residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals. Texas has 37 CoC regions providing transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Texas receives millions in ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Texas Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Texas locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Texas community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Texans buy food. Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or any local HHSC office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Texas State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Texas for residents experiencing homelessness.

Texas Homeless Housing & Services (THHSP)

State-funded emergency shelter and transitional housing for homeless Texans, administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

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Texas Rent Relief Program

Emergency rental and utility assistance for Texans at risk of eviction or homelessness. Contact TDHCA or your local community action agency to apply.

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Texas Medicaid

Health coverage for eligible low-income Texans. Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com. Covers children, pregnant women, adults with disabilities, and families.

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TDHCA Housing Programs

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Texas residents.

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Texas Workforce Solutions

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Texas’s 28 local Workforce Development Boards. Visit twc.texas.gov to find your nearest office.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Texas households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies funded by TDHCA. Call 211 to find your provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Texas cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Houston

The Way Home — Houston’s coordinated system for homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance serving Harris County residents.

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Dallas

Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Dallas area.

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Austin

ECHO (Ending Community Homelessness Coalition) — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Austin area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Texas.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit texas211.org.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Texas. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Texas HHSC workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF.
Yes. Texas has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • Texas Veterans Land Board — Affordable housing for Texas veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in your area.
Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or visit any local HHSC office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.