Texas Rental Assistance: Local Programs and Immediate Help

Facing a housing crisis or the threat of eviction can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. For Texans struggling to pay rent, securing Texas rental assistance is a critical step toward stability, but the path to finding help has changed significantly.

While large-scale statewide pandemic programs have ended, a network of federal, state, and local programs remains active. These programs offer both emergency relief and long-term support. Understanding where to look and what to expect is the first step toward navigating this complex system and finding the resources needed to stay housed.

Your First Steps: Immediate Help for a Housing Crisis in Texas

When facing an immediate housing crisis, knowing the first actions to take can provide a clear path through the confusion. The following steps are prioritized to address the most urgent needs first, connecting individuals with the primary resources designed to help in an emergency.

The Most Important Call to Make: Dial 2-1-1

The single most important first step for any Texan seeking assistance is to call 2-1-1. This free, confidential hotline is the state's primary information and referral service for health and human services. Operated by the United Way, 2-1-1 serves as a central hub, connecting callers with local organizations that provide help with rent, utilities, food, and other essential needs.

When you call 2-1-1, a trained specialist will ask questions about your current situation, household composition, and income to identify the most appropriate local resources. Because funding for local agencies can change quickly, 2-1-1 often has the most up-to-date information on which organizations in your area are currently accepting applications. You can also access this service online at www.211texas.org.  

If You Have an Eviction Notice: Seek Legal Help Immediately

Receiving a notice to vacate or an official eviction filing from a court is a time-sensitive legal matter. It is crucial to seek legal help immediately to understand your rights and options as a tenant. Several organizations in Texas provide free legal services to eligible low-income households.

The Texas Legal Services Center can be reached at 855-270-7655 for eviction help. Additionally, the website https://texaslawhelp.org/eviction-referral offers an eviction referral service that connects tenants with legal aid organizations in their area. These legal experts can provide counsel, represent tenants in court, and help negotiate with landlords. They were instrumental partners in the now-closed Texas Eviction Diversion Program and continue to provide critical eviction prevention services.

Communicate with Your Landlord

While it can be difficult, opening a line of communication with your landlord or property manager is a vital early step. Some landlords may be willing to create a payment plan or may be aware of local assistance programs that can help.

Many rental assistance programs require landlord participation, so their cooperation is often necessary to complete an application. However, it is important to be aware that some landlords may decline to participate in these programs. Communicating early and professionally can sometimes open doors to a resolution, but it should be done in conjunction with seeking formal assistance and legal advice.

The New Landscape of Texas Rental Assistance: A Post-Pandemic Shift

The system for delivering rental assistance in Texas has undergone a fundamental transformation since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The large, centralized programs that many Texans relied on are no longer active. Assistance is now channeled through a decentralized network of local providers, and understanding this shift is key to successfully finding help.

Major Statewide Programs Have Closed

Two of the largest and most visible programs, the Texas Rent Relief Program (TRR) and the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program (TERAP), are closed and are no longer accepting new applications. These programs were historic in their scale, distributing over $2.2 billion in rent and utility assistance to more than 323,000 Texas households impacted by the pandemic. Their closure is a primary reason why many people searching for help may encounter outdated information.

While these programs have ended, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) continues to support housing stability. The agency's Housing Stability Services (HSS) Program allocates federal funds to local non-profits and legal aid organizations to provide eviction prevention services, with funding estimated to continue through July 2025.

The New Gateway: TDHCA's "Help for Texans" Portal

With the closure of direct-to-tenant statewide programs, the TDHCA now allocates state and federal funding to a network of local providers, such as non-profits and community action agencies. The primary tool for residents to find these local providers is the "Help for Texans" online portal on the TDHCA website.

Here is how to use the tool:

1. Navigate to the TDHCA "Help for Texans" webpage at https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans.
2. From the dropdown menu, select the specific type of help needed (e.g., "Long Term Rent Payment Help," "Emergency & Homeless Services").
3. Enter your city or county to narrow the search.
4. The tool will generate a list of local organizations that receive TDHCA funding, along with their contact information.

It is important to approach this search with realistic expectations. Many local providers have limited funds and face high demand, meaning they may be at capacity or have waiting lists. If the search does not yield an available provider, you should contact your local city or county government directly, in addition to calling 2-1-1.

Long-Term Housing Support: Federal and State-Funded Programs

Beyond immediate emergency grants, several foundational programs in Texas offer more sustainable, long-term housing support. These programs are designed to address chronic housing affordability issues but almost always involve significant waiting periods and are not suitable for resolving an immediate crisis.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8, is a major federal rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is designed to help very low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities afford safe housing in the private market.

• How it Works: Participants receive a voucher and find their own housing where the landlord agrees to rent under the program. The voucher covers a portion of the rent, with the payment going directly from the public housing authority (PHA) to the landlord.
• Administration: The program is administered locally by PHAs. While the TDHCA serves as the PHA for 34 smaller counties, most major metropolitan areas have their own independent PHA.
• Eligibility: A local PHA determines eligibility based on annual gross income, family status (elderly, person with a disability, or family), and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
• How to Apply: To apply, individuals must contact their local PHA directly. A statewide list of PHAs can be found on the HUD website or by calling HUD's Public and Indian Housing Resource Center at (800) 955-2232.

The demand for Section 8 vouchers far exceeds the supply. Waiting lists are extremely common and are often closed to new applicants for years at a time, making it a long-term goal rather than a source of immediate relief.

Public Housing

Public Housing is another HUD-funded program that provides affordable rental units owned and operated by local PHAs. These properties are reserved for low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The eligibility requirements and application process are nearly identical to the Section 8 program, and waiting lists are also common.

Texas Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program

The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program is funded by HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships Program and administered in Texas by the TDHCA through local organizations. This program provides two main forms of assistance to qualified households:

• Payment of security and utility deposits.
• Rental subsidies for a period of up to 24 months.

A key feature of the TBRA program is its focus on long-term stability. Participation often requires enrolling in a self-sufficiency program designed to help households improve their financial standing. The program is not available in all areas of Texas. To find a local TBRA provider, residents can use the TDHCA "Help for Texans" portal.

HUD Income Limits for Major Texas Metro Areas

Eligibility for most federally funded housing programs is determined by a household's income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI). The table below shows the 80% AMI limits for Fiscal Year 2024, a common threshold for program eligibility.

A Hub for Local Rental Assistance: Help in Your County

With the shift away from centralized state programs, the most critical information for a Texan in need is now at the local level. Assistance is fragmented across a web of city, county, and non-profit providers, each with its own funding, eligibility rules, and application processes.

A. Austin and Travis County Resources

The housing market in Austin is intensely competitive, and Travis County has seen eviction filings surge back to pre-pandemic levels after local protections expired. The county's own rental assistance program closed due to overwhelming demand, placing significant pressure on other local resources.

Key Programs and Resources

• "I Belong in Austin" (IBIA): The City of Austin's flagship program provides financial assistance for rent, security deposits, and moving costs. It is administered by the non-profit El Buen Samaritano, and applicants are chosen through a random selection process, not first-come, first-served.
• Legal and Community Support: For tenants facing eviction, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and Volunteer Legal Services are primary resources for legal help.   ConnectATX is a comprehensive online database of social services, while the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) provides insight and advocacy on homelessness issues.

B. Dallas and Dallas County Resources

The assistance landscape in Dallas County is complex, with a critical distinction between programs for residents of the City of Dallas and those for the broader county.

Key Programs and Resources

• Dallas County Programs: Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) operates a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program, though its waitlist is currently closed. A limited Emergency Rental Assistance/Welfare Program exists for disabled and indigent residents not yet receiving other disability benefits.
• City of Dallas Programs: The City's Office of Community Care administers the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program. The application portal is not always open; residents must call the intake line at 214-670-8416 to be screened.
• Key Non-Profits: Catholic Charities of Dallas offers assistance to those with a documented financial hardship, while organizations like Interfaith Services and city-specific social services in suburbs like Mesquite and Irving also provide aid.

C. Houston and Harris County Resources

Houston and Harris County have consistently faced one of the highest volumes of eviction filings in the United States, making housing stability services particularly critical. The system here is heavily reliant on a coordinated entry process to manage the immense need.

Key Programs and Resources

• The Coordinated Access System: The primary entry point for many housing programs is The Way Home Coordinated Access system. By calling the intake line at 832-531-6041, residents who are homeless or days away from it can be assessed and referred to programs like Rapid Re-Housing.
• Harris County Programs: Harris County Housing & Community Development (HCD) offers an Eviction Prevention program in partnership with the United Way and an Eviction Defense program that provides free legal representation to low-income tenants.
• Key Non-Profits: The United Way of Greater Houston operates the 2-1-1 Texas helpline.   Catholic Charities runs multiple housing programs, including targeted assistance for women veterans and individuals with HIV. BakerRipley is another major non-profit partner that has distributed large-scale rental assistance.

D. San Antonio and Bexar County Resources

Like Dallas, the San Antonio area has a critical jurisdictional divide. Residents of the City of San Antonio must apply to city programs, while those in other parts of Bexar County apply to a separate county program.

Key Programs and Resources

• City of San Antonio Programs: The Neighborhood & Housing Services Department (NHSD) offers a Rental Assistance Program with a very competitive application window that opens on the second Wednesday of each month. NHSD also runs a Resident Relocation Assistance Program (RRAP).
• Bexar County Programs: For residents living outside the San Antonio city limits, Bexar County offers a separate rental assistance program administered by Opportunity Home San Antonio.
• Key Administrators and Non-Profits: Opportunity Home manages the county's aid and federal voucher programs. Endeavors administers the city's TBRA and Homeless Prevention programs. For those experiencing homelessness, SAMMinistries is a primary resource for shelter and prevention services.

E. Fort Worth and Tarrant County Resources

The Tarrant County assistance system mirrors others in Texas, with separate programs for the county's largest cities—Fort Worth and Arlington—and another for the rest of the county.

Key Programs and Resources

• Tarrant County ERAP: Tarrant County administers an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for renters residing in Tarrant County but outside the city limits of Fort Worth and Arlington. The program prioritizes applications from households with an active eviction case or very low incomes.
• City of Fort Worth Programs: The City of Fort Worth's Community Action Partners (CAP) program provides rent and utility assistance to eligible city residents. Separately,   Fort Worth Housing Solutions is the city's public housing authority, offering a range of programs including Housing Choice Vouchers and programs for the homeless.
• Key Non-Profits: The non-profit landscape is diverse, with organizations like Broadway Baptist Church (serves zip code 76104), AIDS Outreach Center (serves individuals with HIV), and Arlington Urban Ministries (serves Arlington). Catholic Charities of Fort Worth is another major provider of eviction prevention services.

Specialized Assistance for Veterans, Seniors, and Persons with Disabilities

While many programs serve the general population, several are specifically designed to meet the unique housing needs of veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Identifying these targeted pathways can often lead to more effective support.

Housing for Veterans

Veterans facing housing instability have access to specialized federal and non-profit programs that combine housing assistance with supportive services.

• HUD-VASH Program: This national initiative combines a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher with case management and clinical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To access it, a veteran must be referred by the local VA medical center.
• Non-Profit Support: Many non-profits offer dedicated veteran services. Volunteers of America Texas runs a Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. In Houston, Catholic Charities has a Women Veterans Program offering financial assistance to female veterans in crisis.

Housing for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

Specific programs and funding exist to support seniors and individuals with disabilities in securing stable, affordable housing.

• Mainstream Voucher Program: This is a specific type of Section 8 voucher designated for non-elderly persons with disabilities (ages 18-61), administered by local PHAs.
• TBRA Program Set-Asides: The state's Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program often has a portion of its funds specifically set aside to assist persons with disabilities.
• Designated Housing: Many local PHAs and non-profits operate properties designed specifically for seniors or persons with disabilities. For example, Fort Worth Housing Solutions operates Cowan Place for residents aged 62 and older.

Why Finding Help is Hard: Understanding the Texas Housing Challenge

The difficulty many Texans face in finding rental assistance is not an individual failing. It is a reflection of a deep, systemic housing crisis across the state where the demand for affordable housing far outstrips the available supply.

The Sobering Numbers: A Statewide Affordability Crisis

Texas is facing a staggering shortage of affordable rental homes. According to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, there is a statewide deficit of over 679,000 rental homes for the state's extremely low-income renters.

This means that nearly 80% of these households are severely "cost-burdened," paying more than half of their limited income on rent. This forces them to make impossible choices between housing and other basic necessities like food and medicine. This scarcity is even more pronounced in the state's major urban centers.

The Affordable Housing Gap in Major Texas Cities

The Reality of Evictions and the "Housing Wage"

This affordability crisis directly fuels housing instability. Major Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth are consistently among the top five cities in the nation for the number of eviction cases filed. The end of pandemic-era eviction moratoriums, coupled with dwindling assistance funds, has led to a sustained surge in filings that has pushed many families to the brink.

The economic pressure on renters is further illustrated by the "Housing Wage"—the hourly wage a full-time worker must earn to afford a modest rental home. In Texas, the 2023 Housing Wage for a two-bedroom apartment is $26.69 per hour. A person earning the state's minimum wage of $7.25 per hour would need to work 138 hours per week to afford that same apartment. This enormous gap between wages and housing costs is the fundamental challenge that underpins the state's housing crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions