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For Texans facing financial hardship and the risk of losing their homes, finding help with rent is a critical and urgent need. While the large-scale rent relief program Texas offered during the pandemic has changed, assistance is still available. The system for aid has shifted from a single statewide portal to a network of local programs, each with its own rules and application processes. Navigating this landscape requires understanding where to look and how to prepare. Information on available local rent relief, eviction prevention, and long-term housing support can provide a clear path toward stability.
Statewide Pandemic Programs Have Closed
It is essential for tenants seeking assistance to understand that the primary statewide pandemic-era initiatives are no longer active. The Texas Rent Relief Program (TRR) and the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program (TERAP), which provided billions in aid, are now closed and are not accepting new applications.
These programs were established with temporary emergency funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand was immense; during the final application period in March 2023, requests for aid far surpassed available funding within 24 hours, prompting the program to close early.
A Shift to Localized Support
The closure of these centralized portals marks a fundamental shift in how assistance is delivered. The challenge for tenants has moved from navigating one large program to discovering a fragmented system of local support.
Rental assistance in Texas is now administered through a decentralized network of city and county governments, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), and non-profits. While there is no single website for all Texans, help is still available for those who know where to find it. The key is to adopt a localized search strategy.
Given the decentralized nature of current rental assistance, statewide referral services have become the indispensable front door for finding help. Instead of searching for a single program, the most effective first step is to use these tools to identify the specific local agencies serving a particular area.
2-1-1 Texas: Your Direct Connection to Local Aid
The most accessible starting point is the 2-1-1 Texas program, a free, confidential service from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.211texas.org, you can connect with a specialist who provides information on local resources.
The process is simple: provide your zip code and state your need, like "rental assistance." The specialist will give you a list of local organizations that may offer that aid. This service helps you bypass confusing online searches and connect directly with potential providers.
TDHCA's "Help for Texans" Portal: A Vital Search Tool
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is the state's main housing agency. While it no longer accepts direct applications, its "Help for Texans" webpage is a crucial tool for finding local providers it funds.
To use the portal, follow these steps:
www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans.Remember, TDHCA provides funds to these local organizations but does not manage their applications or guarantee that funds are available. The organizations on the list may have waiting lists or could have temporarily run out of funding.
Assistance programs are highly localized, with different agencies and application procedures in each major metropolitan area. The following table and subsections provide specific details for Texas's largest population centers.
| Metro Area | Primary Program/Agency | Key Contact Information | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston / Harris County | Catholic Charities, Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) | Catholic Charities: (713) 526-4611; NAM: namonline.org | Multiple non-profits are key. Coordinated Access is a central system. |
| Dallas / Dallas County | DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas | dhantx.com | Focus on Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and Public Housing. |
| San Antonio / Bexar County | NHSD Rental Assistance Program, Endeavors | NHSD: sa.gov/nhsd, Endeavors: (210) 891-3310 | City program has specific monthly application windows. |
| Austin / Travis County | 'I Belong in Austin' Program | El Buen Samaritano: (737) 214-7406, elbuen.org/ibia | Monthly application windows, random selection process. |
| Fort Worth / Tarrant County | Community Action Partners (CAP), Fort Worth Housing Solutions (FWHS) | CAP: fortworthtexas.gov/cap, FWHS: fwhs.org | CAP has limited online application dates; FWHS has specific waitlist openings. |
| El Paso / El Paso County | Project BRAVO, County General Assistance | Project BRAVO: (915) 562-4100, County: (915) 546-8150 | Focus on county residents outside city limits for some programs. |
Houston / Harris County
In the Houston area, rental assistance is often coordinated through multiple non-profits and a centralized intake system. "The Way Home" operates a Coordinated Access system that helps refer individuals to appropriate services, including those offered by Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities provides housing and utility assistance, as well as a Rapid Re-Housing program. Another key provider is Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM), which uses a monthly random selection process to choose applicants for review. Other organizations like Baker Ripley and the Houston Housing Authority also serve as vital resources.
Dallas / Dallas County
The primary entity for housing assistance in Dallas County is DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas. DHA manages the two main federally funded programs: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also known as Section 8, and traditional Public Housing communities.
Applications for these programs are typically submitted through DHA's online Rent Cafe portal. Applicants are often selected via a lottery system due to high demand. Separately, Catholic Charities Dallas offers housing support but relies on referrals from the Coordinated Access system managed by Housing Forward; they do not accept direct walk-ins or calls for assistance.
San Antonio / Bexar County
The City of San Antonio’s Neighborhood and Housing Services Department (NHSD) operates a Rental Assistance Program with a specific and limited application window. This window often opens for only a few hours on the second Wednesday of each month. The program requires extensive documentation and makes payments directly to landlords and utility companies.
The non-profit organization Endeavors runs a Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program and a Homeless Prevention (HP) program. These programs target very low-income households (at or below 50% of the Area Median Income, or AMI) who are at risk of homelessness. Additionally, the Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC) administers various long-term voucher programs.
Austin / Travis County
Austin's primary local program is 'I Belong in Austin,' which is administered by the non-profit El Buen Samaritano. This program is characterized by a monthly application cycle, where the portal may open on the first of the month and close a week later.
Critically, applications do not carry over, meaning tenants must reapply each month. Selection is a random process for all eligible applicants, not first-come, first-served. Eligibility is generally capped for households earning at or below 80% of the AMFI.
Fort Worth / Tarrant County
Tarrant County residents can seek help from Community Action Partners (CAP), the county's designated Community Action Agency. CAP has a dual application system: residents can apply in person at various community centers or use a limited-capacity online portal that opens on specific Fridays each month.
For long-term assistance, Fort Worth Housing Solutions (FWHS) manages the area's voucher programs. FWHS periodically opens its waitlists for the Housing Choice Voucher and Project-Based Voucher programs, with specific application windows announced in advance, such as those scheduled for July 2025.
El Paso / El Paso County
In El Paso, Project BRAVO is a primary provider of community services, and applications for assistance can be submitted at its various centers.
The El Paso County General Assistance office also administers an Emergency Rental & Utility Financial Assistance program funded by the U.S. Treasury. This program specifically targets households living in zip codes outside the El Paso city limits who have been financially impacted by the pandemic and have incomes at or below 80% of the AMFI.
Beyond immediate, emergency grants, a separate ecosystem of long-term, structural support exists. These programs are designed to provide sustainable housing affordability but often come with significant wait times. A comprehensive strategy involves applying for emergency aid for an immediate crisis while also getting on waitlists for these long-term solutions.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also known as Section 8, is a major federal rental assistance program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It provides a subsidy paid directly to a private landlord on behalf of a low-income family, an elderly person, or an individual with disabilities.
To apply, individuals must contact their local Public Housing Authority (PHA). A directory of PHAs in Texas is available on HUD's website: www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts. Due to extremely high demand, most PHAs have long waiting lists that are frequently closed to new applicants, so it is advisable to apply to multiple waitlists if eligible.
Specialized Voucher Programs
Several specialized voucher programs target specific vulnerable populations and operate through a referral-based system:
Community Action Agencies and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
Across Texas, local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) provide a variety of services to low-income households. Many of these agencies administer Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) programs, which are often funded by TDHCA.
A TBRA program typically provides help with security and utility deposits, as well as rental subsidies for up to 24 months. This assistance is usually paired with a requirement to participate in a self-sufficiency program to help the family achieve long-term financial stability.
Major Charitable Organizations
National charities with local branches are another pillar of the housing safety net:
The search for rent relief is often driven by the immediate threat of eviction. In this situation, securing financial aid is only half the battle; understanding and protecting one's legal rights is equally crucial. Access to legal information and representation can be the key to preventing displacement.
Key Legal Resources
Several organizations provide free legal help to Texas tenants:
texaslawhelp.org, offers articles on tenant rights, explanations of the eviction process, and court forms. It also runs a referral service to connect tenants with legal aid organizations.Understanding the Eviction Process and Prevention
While the statewide Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TDEP) has closed, its principles remain relevant. Some local courts may still offer mediation or diversion options to resolve cases without a formal eviction judgment.
A recent development in Texas law provides a modest "right to cure." In some circumstances, this allows a tenant to pay back rent and associated fees to stop an eviction from proceeding.
Advocacy groups like Texas Housers also work to protect tenant rights through programs like Court Watch, which sends volunteers to observe eviction hearings to promote fairness. This work highlights the importance of tenants appearing in court and advocating for themselves, ideally with legal assistance.
Application windows for local rent relief programs can be short and highly competitive. Being prepared with all necessary documentation before a portal opens is a significant advantage. While requirements vary slightly between programs, most will ask for the following documents. Gathering these items in advance can prevent delays and increase the chances of a successful application.
Household Information
Income Verification
Housing and Hardship Documentation
Navigating the landscape of rental assistance in Texas requires a new approach in 2025. The large, centralized COVID-19 relief programs have ended, but a diverse network of local support has taken their place. For tenants facing housing instability, success hinges on understanding this new reality and taking strategic, informed action.
The most critical first steps are to call 2-1-1 and to use the TDHCA "Help for Texans" search portal. These two resources are the primary gateways to identifying the specific city, county, or non-profit agencies providing assistance in your local area.
Success in securing aid often comes down to preparation and persistence. Application windows can be brief, so having all necessary documents ready is paramount. If facing an eviction notice, seeking free legal assistance from resources like TexasLawHelp.org or a local legal aid society is not just an option—it is a critical step to protect one's rights and home.
The process can be challenging, but by using the tools and resources outlined, Texans can effectively navigate the system and find the support needed to achieve housing stability. For additional federal resources, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a helpful portal at www.consumerfinance.gov/housing/housing-insecurity/help-for-renters/.
Income limits vary by city and county but are generally based on the Area Median Income (AMI). Most Texas rent relief programs require a household’s income to be at or below 80% of the AMI. Always check the specific eligibility requirements for the local program to which you are applying.
This can be difficult, as most programs require a formal lease to prove a landlord-tenant relationship. However, some local non-profits may assist in unique cases. Contact your local 2-1-1 Texas service or a housing counseling agency to discuss your specific circumstances and explore potential options available to you.
Approval times vary significantly, from a few weeks to several months, depending on the program's application volume and current funding. Submitting a complete and accurate application with all necessary documents is the best way to avoid delays. Many local programs offer online portals to track your application’s status.
While the main focus is preventing eviction by covering back rent, some local programs may offer help with security deposits or the first month's rent, especially for those moving into more stable housing. Review the specific guidelines on your city or county’s housing authority website for details on eligible expenses.
Eligibility policies vary. Many locally-funded programs do not inquire about immigration status. For programs using federal funds, at least one household member typically needs to have an eligible immigration status. It is crucial to check the specific requirements for each program, as rules differ between organizations and funding sources.
Generally, payments from a government-funded rent relief program are not considered taxable income for the tenant. These funds are typically paid directly to the landlord or utility provider on your behalf. For advice specific to your financial situation, it is always best to consult with a qualified tax professional.
Policies on re-application differ for each rent relief program in Texas. Some programs may limit the total number of months a household can receive aid or enforce a waiting period before you can reapply. Review the rules of your local program or contact the administrator directly for clarification.
Landlord participation is often necessary since payment is usually sent directly to them. If your landlord is unwilling to cooperate, some programs may offer mediation services or other solutions. Contact a local legal aid society or a HUD-approved housing counselor to understand your rights and options in this situation.
The most frequent reasons for denial include submitting an incomplete application, having a household income that exceeds the program’s limit, or failing to provide the required documents to prove eligibility and need. Carefully double-checking all requirements before you submit can help prevent these common issues.
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