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If you are facing a housing crisis in Texas, the most critical first step is to dial 2-1-1. This free, confidential service is the Texas Information and Referral Network, operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. It serves as the primary gateway to finding emergency housing assistance in your local community.
Calling 2-1-1 connects you to the official Coordinated Entry system. This system is the single "front door" for all homelessness services in your area, designed to streamline the process of getting help. Instead of contacting multiple agencies, you begin with one assessment to connect you to the right resources, from emergency shelter to rental assistance.
The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program was a federal initiative created through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), its goal was to assist individuals and families who were homeless, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing dangerous situations like domestic violence.
Current Status of the EHV Program
It is important to understand that the authority for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to issue new EHVs is now very limited. A federal deadline of September 30, 2023, prevents PHAs from reissuing any vouchers that were returned after that date. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has confirmed that all its available EHVs have been allocated.
While new EHVs are scarce, the system created to distribute them remains the primary channel for all emergency housing aid in Texas. To get help, you must be referred through your local Coordinated Entry system.
The Coordinated Entry system prioritizes aid for those with the most severe needs. Eligibility is generally determined by falling into one of four main categories, which were also used for the EHV program.
Category 1: Currently Experiencing Homelessness
This applies to individuals and families who do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate place to sleep. This includes:
Category 2: At Imminent Risk of Homelessness
This category is for those who are about to lose their housing and lack the resources to find a new place. This may apply if you:
Category 3: Fleeing a Dangerous Situation
This provides an urgent path to safety for individuals and families who are fleeing, or attempting to flee, situations such as:
Category 4: Recently Homeless and Facing Instability
This specific category is for those who were recently homeless but found temporary help from another source. To qualify, a professional must determine that this temporary support is ending and that, without long-term assistance, the family would become homeless again.
The system for getting emergency housing help is person-focused, meaning a central system works to find the right program for you. It is essential to follow the correct steps.
1. Understand There Is No Direct Application
You cannot apply for an emergency voucher directly at a Public Housing Authority office. All emergency housing assistance is accessed through a referral from your local Coordinated Entry system, which is managed by a regional Continuum of Care (CoC).
2. Contact Your Local Coordinated Entry Access Point
The most reliable way to find your local access point is to dial 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org. An operator will connect you with the agency in your county that conducts homeless assessments.
3. Complete the Assessment Interview
A trained staff member will conduct a "coordinated assessment" to understand your unique situation. Be prepared to answer questions about your living situation, income, and health. Being honest and detailed helps the assessor accurately determine your needs.
4. Placement on the Community Housing Priority List
After your assessment, you will be added to a community-wide priority list. Unlike a traditional waiting list, this list is dynamic. Your position is based on your level of need, not the date you applied. This ensures that those in the most critical situations are prioritized for the next available resource.
5. Referral to a Service Provider
When a housing opportunity matching your needs becomes available, the system will refer you to a specific service provider. This could be a non-profit or a local Public Housing Authority. That agency will then contact you to complete the final steps for assistance.
Coordinated Entry systems are managed by different lead agencies across Texas. Knowing the primary contacts in your area can help you connect to services more efficiently.
Dallas and North Texas Resources
Houston and Harris County Resources
San Antonio and Bexar County Resources
Austin and Travis County Resources
El Paso Area Resources
Beyond the emergency system, other programs offer long-term assistance for low-income families who are not in an immediate crisis.
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program
This is the main federal program for long-term rental assistance. You apply for this program directly with a Public Housing Authority, which places you on a waiting list. These waiting lists are often closed for years due to high demand and are not a solution for an immediate emergency.
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
The TDHCA distributes state and federal funds to local partner organizations, not directly to individuals. Through the TDHCA's "Help for Texans" webpage, you can find local providers offering:
Local Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP)
Many cities and counties received federal funds to operate their own Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP) to prevent evictions. While much of this funding has been used, some localities may still have smaller, locally-funded programs. Check your city or county website or call 2-1-1 to learn more.
Receiving a housing voucher is a major step, but it begins a new process of securing a home. Here is what to expect.
1. Attend the Briefing
You must attend a mandatory briefing session with the Public Housing Authority (PHA) that issued your voucher. Staff will explain the program rules and your responsibilities as a tenant.
2. The Housing Search
You are responsible for finding a rental unit from a landlord who is willing to participate in the program. Vouchers typically expire in 60 to 90 days, so it is important to start your search right away. The PHA may provide a list of participating landlords, and you can use online resources like AffordableHousing.com.
3. Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)
Once you find a unit, you and the landlord must complete a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form. Submitting this document to the PHA officially starts the approval process.
4. The Inspection Process
The PHA must inspect the unit to ensure it meets federal Housing Quality Standards (HQS) before any assistance is paid. The inspection confirms that the property is safe, sanitary, and in good condition. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs before the lease can be approved.
5. Rent and Lease Signing
The PHA will confirm the landlord's requested rent is reasonable for the area. Your portion of the rent will typically be 30% to 40% of your household's adjusted monthly income. After the unit passes inspection, you will sign a lease with the landlord, and the landlord will sign a contract with the PHA.
6. Tenant Responsibilities
As a voucher holder, you must pay your rent on time, keep the unit in good condition, and report any changes in your income or household size to the PHA. Fulfilling these obligations is essential to maintaining your housing assistance. For more information, visit HUD's official page for voucher holders.
The timeline varies significantly based on your community's resources and your place on the priority list. After contacting your local Coordinated Entry system via 2-1-1 and completing an assessment, it can take weeks or months to be referred to a provider with an available emergency housing voucher or similar resource.
Yes, this is called "portability". You can request to transfer your voucher to a different Public Housing Authority's (PHA) jurisdiction. However, you must first get approval from your initial PHA and then from the receiving PHA, which may have different income and eligibility rules.
Your PHA will grant you an initial search period, typically 60 to 120 days. If you're struggling to find a unit, you may request an extension. Many PHAs offer landlord lists or housing navigators to help you locate properties that accept emergency housing vouchers in Texas.
Yes, students experiencing homelessness or housing instability can qualify. Eligibility for emergency housing vouchers in Texas is based on factors like income and housing status, not enrollment status. Students should contact their local Coordinated Entry access point for an assessment of their situation.
No, a job is not a requirement to qualify. Eligibility is primarily determined by your income level, which must be below the area's low-income limits, and your current housing crisis (e.g., homelessness, risk of homelessness). Your rent portion is calculated based on your total income, if any.
It depends on the nature and timing of the offense. While some criminal convictions, particularly those related to drug manufacturing or lifetime sex offender registration, can result in denial, many PHAs review applications on a case-by-case basis. It's crucial to be honest on your application.
No, they are separate. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program has a traditional, often years-long waiting list. The process for emergency housing vouchers in Texas uses a "Community Priority List" through Coordinated Entry, which prioritizes assistance for the most vulnerable households.
You can use the voucher for various types of private rental housing, including apartments, single-family homes, or townhouses. The property must meet HUD's housing quality standards and have a reasonable rent compared to other units in the area.
Yes. Owning a vehicle does not disqualify you from receiving assistance. The value of your car is generally not counted as an asset when determining eligibility for emergency housing vouchers in Texas, as it is often considered a necessity for transportation.
The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program was a specific initiative from the American Rescue Plan targeting those facing immediate housing crises. While new EHVs are no longer being issued, the system connects people to other resources, like the standard Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which provides long-term rental assistance.
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