Get an easy, fast loan decision. Your money can be deposited directly into your account in as little as 5 minutes after your application is processed.
Apply for Your Loan Now
Texas continuum of care programs serve as the central command for the state’s response to homelessness. These federally mandated bodies coordinate millions of dollars in funding to streamline services and manage the data necessary to house vulnerable populations. Instead of operating as isolated shelters, these programs function as a unified network designed to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Key Takeaways
- Regional Leadership: A Continuum of Care (CoC) is a planning body designated by HUD to coordinate housing services within a specific region.
- Coordinated Entry: This standardized system acts as a single "front door," prioritizing individuals based on vulnerability rather than a "first-come, first-served" basis.
- Texas Structure: The state is divided into distinct regions, including major metros like Houston and Dallas, and the massive Texas Balance of State which covers rural areas.
- Housing First: Most Texas programs prioritize immediate access to permanent housing without preconditions like sobriety or income.
- Recent Trends: While Dallas has reported significant reductions in street homelessness, other major cities like San Antonio and Austin have seen increases due to rising housing costs and shelter capacity issues.
The primary function of Texas continuum of care programs is to secure and distribute funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, their role extends far beyond financial administration. They act as system architects, analyzing data to determine the specific needs of their local homeless population.
CoCs must design a comprehensive system that covers the entire spectrum of aid. This includes street outreach for the unsheltered, emergency shelters for crisis stabilization, and permanent housing for long-term recovery. They also manage the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), a secure database used to track client needs and outcomes across different agencies.
Core Responsibilities
For a deeper understanding of these federal regulations, the(https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/coc/) page offers detailed guidelines on program responsibilities and eligible activities.
Texas faces a unique logistical challenge due to its vast size. To manage this, the state is segmented into distinct CoC regions. Large metropolitan areas operate their own dedicated systems, while rural and suburban counties are often aggregated into a single, large administrative body.
Houston (TX-700): The Way Home
Led by the Coalition for the Homeless, this system is known as "The Way Home."
Dallas (TX-600): The All Neighbors Coalition
Managed by Housing Forward, this CoC has seen significant success with its "Street to Home" initiative.
Austin (TX-503): ECHO
The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) leads the response in the state capital.
San Antonio (TX-500): Close to Home
"Close to Home" (formerly SARAH) coordinates services in Bexar County.
The Texas Balance of State CoC (TX-607), led by the(https://www.thn.org/) (THN), traditionally covers over 200 of Texas's 254 counties. This massive network relies on Local Homeless Coalitions to manage operations on the ground.
Other Independent CoCs
Several mid-sized cities operate their own CoCs to address specific regional needs:
A defining feature of Texas continuum of care programs is Coordinated Entry (CE). This process ensures that the most vulnerable individuals are prioritized for assistance. It prevents the system from being clogged by those with fewer needs who might self-resolve with lighter assistance.
How Coordinated Entry Works
Local Access Points
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Coordinated Entry system in your area:
| City | Contact / Access Point | Phone |
| Houston | The Beacon / The Way Home | 832-531-6041 |
| Dallas | Homeless Crisis Helpline | 1-888-411-6802 |
| Austin | Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center | 512-522-1097 |
| San Antonio | Homeless Connections Hotline | 210-207-1799 |
| Fort Worth | TCHC Helpline | 817-996-8800 |
| El Paso | El Paso Helps / 2-1-1 | 2-1-1 or 915-400-7401 |
| Lubbock | ECHO West Texas | 806-805-2762 |
Funding for these programs is highly competitive. Every year, CoCs must submit complex applications to HUD demonstrating their success. In late 2025, HUD temporarily withdrew the Fiscal Year 2025 CoC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) due to litigation, creating a period of uncertainty for local agencies relying on federal renewals.
State-Level Support
In addition to federal dollars, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) administers the Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP). This state fund specifically supports the largest cities in Texas. For Fiscal Year 2026, nearly $6 million was allocated to cities like Arlington, Austin, Dallas, and Houston to provide essential services and youth-specific interventions.
Key Strategic Focus Areas
You should apply through a local CoC if you reside in a major metropolitan area like Austin, Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio, as these cities operate their own independent funding systems. If you live in one of the 215 rural or suburban counties not covered by a city-specific program, you fall under the Texas Balance of State CoC, which is managed by the Texas Homeless Network (THN).
Coordinated Entry (CE) is a standardized process mandated by HUD that assesses your specific needs to ensure the most vulnerable Texans receive housing priority rather than using a "first-come, first-served" list. You must complete a CE assessment at a designated access point—often a local shelter or outreach center—to be referred to any Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) or Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) program within the network.
No, CoC programs focus primarily on long-term housing stability through rental assistance and supportive services rather than immediate emergency cash grants. For immediate, short-term shelter needs, you should contact local emergency shelters or dial 2-1-1 Texas to find crisis resources while your CoC long-term housing application is processed.
Generally, you must meet the HUD definition of "literally homeless" (living in a shelter, car, or place not meant for habitation) or be fleeing domestic violence to qualify for most CoC-funded housing. Individuals who are "couch surfing" or doubled up with family are typically considered "at-risk" rather than homeless, which may limit eligibility to specific prevention programs rather than full Rapid Re-Housing assistance.
Rapid Re-Housing provides short-to-medium-term rental assistance and case management designed to quickly move individuals and families back into private housing with the goal of eventual independence. Permanent Supportive Housing is reserved for individuals with a documented disability who require long-term, indefinite leasing assistance and intensive support services to maintain their housing stability.
A checking account is your financial control center, offering unparalleled convenience and security for managing your everyday money. Unlock the power of seamless transactions, bill payments, and financial tracking, all while keeping your cash safe and accessible.
Unlocking your dream of a personal getaway is closer than you think, and the path to owning a vacation home offers more flexible financing options than often perceived. Discover how strategic planning and diverse payment avenues can turn that idyllic escape into a tangible reality.
Securing a new home often hits a financial roadblock with the upfront costs but the Salvation Army security deposit assistance program is here to help bridge that gap, making safe housing accessible when you need it most. Discover exactly how this crucial support operates and learn the simple steps to secure the funds necessary for your rental move-in.
