Housing Assistance Resources in Texas

Last updated September 9, 2026

Texas is a large and diverse state, and housing needs vary widely from the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle. Whether you are facing eviction, living in a shelter, or struggling to keep up with rent and utilities, there are federal and state-supported programs designed to help. The fastest way to find what is available in your specific county is to call 2-1-1 Texas, a free, 24/7 helpline that connects callers to local emergency housing, rental assistance, and shelter programs by ZIP code.

Many housing programs in Texas are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered locally through Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and nonprofit Continuums of Care. This means eligibility rules, waitlist status, and available funding can change frequently and differ significantly from one city or county to the next. A 2-1-1 specialist or a HUD-approved housing counselor can help you navigate these local differences and identify your best options.

If your housing instability is connected to domestic violence, a disability, veteran status, or aging, specialized programs may offer faster access or additional protections. Several of those pathways are described below. Acting quickly matters — many programs have limited funding and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Key programs in Texas

2-1-1 Texas

Connects Texas residents to local emergency rental assistance, utility help, shelter openings, food resources, and other social services by ZIP code. Operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in partnership with local United Way organizations.

How to access: Call 2-1-1 (free, 24/7, available in multiple languages), text your ZIP code to 898-211, or search online at tx.211.org. A trained specialist will identify programs in your area.

HUD Continuum of Care / Local Public Housing Authorities

HUD funds a network of Continuums of Care (CoC) across Texas — including major CoCs in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin — that coordinate emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing. Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) administer the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for long-term rental assistance.

How to access: Find your local CoC or PHA through HUD's resource locator at hud.gov, or ask a 2-1-1 specialist to connect you. To apply for a housing voucher, contact your county or city PHA directly, as waitlists and application periods vary widely.

Texas Rent Relief Program / Local Emergency Rental Assistance

Texas has administered federally funded emergency rental assistance in the past (most recently the Texas Rent Relief Program). When statewide funds are active, they can cover past-due rent and utilities. Even if the statewide program is closed, many local governments and nonprofits administer their own emergency rental assistance with separate funding.

How to access: Check the current status of any statewide program at tdhca.texas.gov (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs). For local emergency rental assistance, call 2-1-1 or visit your city or county's human services department website.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — Homeless Veterans Programs

The VA offers several housing programs for eligible veterans in Texas, including the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) voucher program, which combines rental assistance with VA case management, and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which provides rapid re-housing and eviction prevention for very low-income veteran households.

How to access: Contact your nearest VA Medical Center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Texas. Veterans can also call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838), available 24/7.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

Free or low-cost counseling to help Texas residents understand their rights as tenants, navigate foreclosure, prepare for home purchase, create a budget, and connect with local assistance programs. Counselors are trained and approved by HUD and do not charge fees for many basic services.

How to access: Find a HUD-approved counseling agency in Texas at hud.gov/findacounselor or call HUD's toll-free line at 1-800-569-4287. You can filter results by your city or county.

Housing Assistance resources for Texas

Carriage House Transitional Housing

The program is designed to assist youth and young adults aged 16–21 who are experiencing homelessness or unstable housing situations. It offers a safe, structured environment where residents can develop the skills needed for independent living.

Temple, Texas254-933-2707

Jesus Hope and Love Mission Transitional Housing

Transitional Housing - Women only; 25-55 years of age, free of charge until they are employed; any referral services provided by Jesus Hope & Love Mission: Serving cooked meals for the homeless, Sunday worship for the homeless, Bible study and discussion, clothing for families in need, job search assistance and money management counseling, spiritual support and counseling for those with addictions, emergency shelter during extreme weather conditions. Outreach to homeless people who do not have access to the mission center.

Killeen, Texas254-304-2170
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Our Lady of the Angels Maternity Shelter

Provides shelter to women in crisis pregnancies and postpartum. Albergue para mujeres emarazadas y posparto. The facility houses up to 18 women and children.

Temple, Texas254-742-2340
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Project Future

Killeen, Texas254-634-0117

Reaching Out Crisis Ministries

Offers emergency homeless shelter for women's only. Services: A circle of winners, celebrating the recovery. Drug abuse/support systems/housing

Temple, Texas254-716-5728
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211 Housing & Shelter

Nationwide

Local shelter, rental, and housing assistance referrals. Dial 211.

211
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HUD Housing Counseling

Nationwide

Free HUD-approved housing counseling on rent, foreclosure, homelessness, and fair housing.

1-800-569-4287
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National Low Income Housing Coalition

Nationwide

Resources and local referrals for affordable housing and rental assistance.

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