Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in Texas

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in Texas

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025

Main Points

Emergency housing help is available through local Community Action Agencies in all 254 Texas counties, though most COVID-era programs have closed
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) help pay up to 70% of rent, but waiting lists average 23 months statewide
USDA rural home loans offer 5.125% interest rates with no down payment for eligible rural areas
LIHEAP utility assistance provides up to $12,300 for energy bills with crisis assistance up to $2,400
Income limits vary by county – most programs serve families earning 30-80% of area median income
Reality check: Funding is limited and many programs have waiting lists or are closed to new applicants
Multiple programs can be combined for maximum assistance, but applications don’t guarantee approval

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance available 24/7.

Can’t pay utilities? Contact your local Community Action Agency for crisis utility assistance up to $500.

Need rent help now? Use TDHCA’s Help for Texans portal to find local providers – state programs no longer provide direct assistance to individuals.

In danger? Texas Council on Family Violence: (800) 525-1978 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Emergency Housing Assistance

Current Reality: Most Emergency Programs Have Closed

The Texas Rent Relief Program and Texas Eviction Diversion Program closed in summer 2023 after helping hundreds of thousands of Texas families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Housing Stability Services (HSS) Program continues through July 2025, but funding goes to local providers, not directly to individuals.

Local Emergency Assistance Through Community Action Agencies

Since statewide emergency rental assistance programs have ended, help now comes through local organizations. TDHCA funds local providers rather than providing assistance directly to individuals.

What’s available:

Emergency rental assistance (amounts and availability vary greatly by provider)
Utility assistance and crisis intervention
Security deposits and first month’s rent help
Case management and referral services

How to find help: Visit TDHCA’s Help for Texans portal and select your county to find local providers. Not all counties have active programs with available funding.

Reality check: Many local providers have limited funds and face high demand, meaning they may be at capacity or have waiting lists. If the search doesn’t yield available providers, contact your local city or county government directly.

2-1-1 Texas Emergency Referral System

Call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org for immediate referrals to emergency assistance in your area, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families pay rent in the private market. In Texas, families typically pay 30% of their income toward rent, with vouchers covering the remainder up to Fair Market Rent limits.

Income Eligibility Requirements (2025)

To qualify, applicants must be very low income (50% of Area Median Income) or extremely low income (30% of Area Median Income), with 75% of vouchers reserved for extremely low-income households.

Example income limits for major Texas areas (family of 3):

Harris County (Houston): $32,200 (extremely low), $53,650 (very low)
Dallas County: $31,600 (extremely low), $52,650 (very low)
Travis County (Austin): $39,150 (extremely low), $65,250 (very low)
Bexar County (San Antonio): $30,000 (extremely low), $50,000 (very low)

Note: Exact limits vary by county and metropolitan area. Check with your local Public Housing Authority for current figures.

Fair Market Rents (2025)

Source: HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025

Area	1 BR	2 BR	3 BR	4 BR
Houston Metro	$956	$1,156	$1,496	$1,878
Dallas-Fort Worth	$1,051	$1,268	$1,639	$2,054
Austin Metro	$1,238	$1,512	$1,998	$2,511
San Antonio Metro	$843	$1,046	$1,378	$1,730

These are maximum amounts Section 8 will pay toward rent in each area.

Application Process and Wait Times

Households spend an average of 23 months on waiting lists before receiving vouchers in Texas. TDHCA operates a lottery system for its 34-county service area, randomly selecting 500 applicants when waiting lists open.

Application steps:

Check if waiting lists are open at Affordable Housing Online
Apply only when lists open (many are closed for years)
Provide income verification, ID, Social Security cards, and rental history
Wait for lottery selection or position on waiting list
Complete eligibility interview if selected
Attend voucher briefing and receive Housing Choice Voucher
Find qualifying rental unit within 60-120 days
Pass housing quality standards inspection before move-in

Reality check: As of 2025, there are only 10 waiting lists open statewide, and many housing authorities close waiting lists when they have more applicants than they can serve in the near future. Priority goes to families experiencing homelessness, elderly households, and those with disabilities.

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Programs

TDHCA serves as a Public Housing Authority for 34 rural counties in Texas, operating Housing Choice Voucher programs and special purpose vouchers for specific populations.

Counties served by TDHCA Section 8: Anderson, Angelina, Atascosa, Austin, Bastrop, Bell, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Cherokee, Colorado, Comal, Fayette, Freestone, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hays, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Milam, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, Washington, Williamson, Wilson.

Public Housing

Public housing developments are owned and operated by local housing authorities. Rent is typically 30% of adjusted income, and utilities may be included.

Pros:

Lower cost than Section 8 in some areas
Stable housing with on-site management
Some properties offer supportive services

Cons:

Limited locations and availability
Long waiting lists similar to Section 8
Less choice in neighborhoods and housing types

Homeownership Programs

USDA Rural Housing Direct Loans (Section 502)

The USDA Section 502 program helps low and very low-income families buy homes in rural areas with no down payment required.

Current rates (effective August 1, 2025): 5.125% fixed interest rate, potentially reduced to as low as 1% with payment assistance subsidy.

Loan terms: Up to 33 years (38 years for very low-income applicants who cannot afford the 33-year term)

Payment assistance: Temporary subsidy available based on adjusted family income to reduce monthly payments. The amount of assistance is determined by the adjusted family income.

Eligibility requirements:

Adjusted income at or below low-income limits for the area
Unable to obtain conventional financing on reasonable terms
Property must be in USDA-eligible rural area (check eligibility online)
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Must occupy as primary residence

Texas USDA Rural Development Area Offices:

Source: USDA Rural Development Texas

Temple Area Office (Central Texas)

Phone: (254) 742-9700
Counties: Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Williamson

College Station Area Office (East Central Texas)

Phone: (979) 260-3407
Counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Washington

USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants

This program helps very low-income rural homeowners repair their homes with loans up to $40,000 at 1% interest or grants up to $10,000 for seniors.

Loans: Up to $40,000 at 1% interest for 20 years Grants: Up to $10,000 lifetime limit (must be 62+ years old) Combined assistance: Up to $50,000 total or $55,000 in presidentially declared disaster areas

Utility Assistance Programs

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) – Texas LIHEAP

CEAP is Texas’s version of the federal LIHEAP program, designed to assist low-income households in meeting immediate energy needs through utility bill assistance.

Benefits Available (FY2025)

Source: Texas LIHEAP Clearinghouse

Benefit Type	Maximum Amount
Regular Assistance	$1 minimum, $12,300 maximum
Crisis Assistance	$2,400 maximum
Weatherization	$12,000 maximum

Income Eligibility

CEAP targets households with income not more than 60% of the State Median Income. For example, a three-person household in Texas with monthly household income of $4,335 or less might qualify.

Program availability: CEAP is available in each of the 254 Texas counties through local Community Action Agencies.

How to apply: Call (877) 399-8939 to find your local CEAP provider, or call 2-1-1.

Priority households: Households that include young children, elderly or disabled members are given first priority.

Reality check: Funding is limited and eligible households may receive a one-time credit. Not all eligible households receive assistance due to funding constraints.

Additional Utility Assistance Programs

CPS Energy (San Antonio Area)

Casa Verde weatherization program provides FREE weatherization measures designed to improve energy efficiency for eligible homeowners or renters, helping reduce energy bills especially during hot summer months.

Entergy Texas

The Power to Care Funds provide short-term utility bill assistance to low-income elderly or disabled customers. Phone: (800) 368-3749.

Austin Energy

Energy Home Improvements program available for income-qualified customers including attic insulation, ductwork sealing, door weatherstripping, and window replacements. Phone: (512) 482-5346.

Transitional and Emergency Housing

ACH Child and Family Services – Families Together

Families Together provides transitional housing for single mothers and their children who are experiencing homelessness due to intimate partner domestic violence. The program offers safe, stable living environments with intensive case management and therapeutic services.

Services include:

Safe housing during recovery from trauma
Intensive case management and therapeutic services
Skills training for long-term self-sufficiency
Support in obtaining stable permanent housing

Contact: ACH Services or (888) 296-8099

Jeremiah Program (Austin)

Jeremiah Program serves single mothers and their children experiencing poverty in Austin through a residential campus that includes housing and an onsite Child Development Center.

Program features:

35-unit housing campus for single mothers and children
Onsite Child Development Center serving up to 60 children
Two-generation programming focusing on both mothers and children
Educational and career support services

Contact: Jeremiah Program Austin

RaiseUp Families (Greater Houston Area)

RaiseUp Families provides financial assistance including rental assistance to parents of school-aged children in the Greater Houston area who are experiencing financial hardship.

Program details:

Serves parents of school-aged children who meet qualification requirements
100% privately funded organization
Focus on long-term impact to help families become financially independent
Budgeting classes and training available through HandUp program

Contact: RaiseUp Families

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

While Texas has limited LGBTQ+-specific housing programs, the following resources provide affirming support:

National resources:

National LGBTQ Task Force: Housing discrimination information and advocacy
SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Senior housing resources

Texas-specific support:

Equality Texas: Advocacy and resource referrals
Resource Center (Dallas): Community support and referrals
Montrose Center (Houston): LGBTQ+ support services
Contact 2-1-1 and specifically ask about LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers in your area

Important note: Federal fair housing laws protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in most housing situations.

Tribal-Specific Resources

Texas has three federally recognized tribes with specific housing programs:

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas

Tribal housing assistance for enrolled members
Contact: (936) 563-1181

Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas

Housing assistance for tribal members
Contact: (830) 773-2105

Ysleta del Sur Pueblo

Housing programs for enrolled tribal members
Contact: (915) 859-7913

Additional resources:

HUD Office of Native American Programs: (800) 955-2232
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) programs available to enrolled tribal members nationwide

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Rural families face unique challenges including limited transportation, fewer service providers, and longer distances to resources.

Specialized resources:

USDA Rural Development programs specifically designed for rural areas
Community Action Agencies provide outreach services in rural counties
Some agencies offer mobile service delivery
Transportation assistance through local Community Action Agencies

Transportation solutions:

Contact local Community Action Agencies for gas vouchers or transportation assistance
Some rural areas have demand-response transportation for essential appointments
Telehealth and virtual support services increasingly available

Single Fathers

While this guide focuses on single mothers, single fathers face similar housing challenges and can access the same programs:

All housing assistance programs described above are available regardless of gender and family composition

Additional resources for single fathers:

National At-Home Dad Network: Support groups and resources
Single Father Network: Online community and local chapters in major Texas cities
Dad’s groups through local community centers and faith-based organizations

Resources by Major Texas Regions

Houston Metropolitan Area

Harris County Housing Authority

Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing
Phone: (713) 260-0300
Website: hchatexas.org

Harris County Community Services

Emergency assistance and utility help
Phone: (713) 274-3000

BakerRipley (formerly Neighborhood Centers)

Comprehensive social services and housing assistance
Phone: (713) 273-3673
Website: bakerripley.org

Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area

Dallas Housing Authority

Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing
Phone: (214) 951-8300
Website: dhadallas.com

Tarrant County Housing Partnership

Fort Worth area housing assistance
Phone: (817) 871-6088

Community Action Partners of North Texas

Emergency assistance across Dallas County
Phone: (214) 428-4717

San Antonio Metropolitan Area

San Antonio Housing Authority

Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing
Phone: (210) 477-6000
Website: saha.org

Community Action Partnership of South Texas

Emergency assistance and utility help
Phone: (210) 352-3001

Austin Metropolitan Area

Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA)

Housing Choice Vouchers serving more than 5,400 households
Phone: (512) 477-4488
Website: hacanet.org

Community Action Network of East Austin

Local emergency assistance and case management
Phone: (512) 928-9200

El Paso Area

Housing Authority of the City of El Paso

Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing
Phone: (915) 678-4000

Project BRAVO

Comprehensive social services and housing assistance
Phone: (915) 581-5906

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How long will I wait for Section 8 in Texas?

Households spend an average of 23 months on waiting lists before receiving vouchers in Texas. Wait times vary dramatically by location:

Major metropolitan areas (Houston, Dallas, Austin): 18-48 months
Rural areas served by TDHCA: 12-24 months
Some housing authorities: Waiting lists closed indefinitely

Many housing authorities periodically close their waiting lists when they become too long. Check current waiting list status before applying, as only 10 waiting lists were open statewide as of 2025.

Can I get help if I work full-time?

Yes, most programs focus on income limits rather than employment status. However, income limits are low – typically 50% to 80% of Area Median Income. For example, in Harris County (Houston), a family of three can earn up to about $53,650 annually and still qualify for very low-income housing programs.

What if my landlord won’t accept Section 8?

Texas does not have source of income discrimination laws, so landlords can legally refuse Section 8 vouchers. However, many do accept them. Contact your housing authority for lists of participating landlords, or search online through HUD’s housing search tools. Some housing authorities offer landlord incentive programs.

Can I combine different assistance programs?

Yes, you can often layer multiple programs. For example, you might receive LIHEAP for utilities, SNAP for food, and apply for emergency rental assistance – as long as you meet each program’s individual requirements and they don’t duplicate the same assistance period.

What happens if I get denied for assistance?

Every program has an appeals process with specific deadlines (usually 10-14 days). Don’t miss appeal deadlines. Document all communications and gather additional evidence if needed. Consider contacting a HUD-approved housing counselor for free assistance with appeals.

How do I prove my income if I’m paid in cash or have irregular work?

Keep detailed records of all work and payments. Get written statements from employers, even for cash work. Bank deposit records, receipts, and tax returns help document income. Local housing counselors can help you properly document irregular income situations.

What if I’m undocumented?

Most federal housing programs require legal immigration status, but emergency assistance through Community Action Agencies may be available regardless of status. Some local programs also provide help. Contact 2-1-1 for guidance on programs that don’t require documentation.

Can I move to Texas with Section 8 from another state?

Section 8 vouchers are portable – you can transfer them between states through the “portability” process. Contact your current housing authority before moving to begin the transfer process. The receiving Texas housing authority must have capacity to accept portable vouchers.

What if I make too much money after getting assistance?

Most programs conduct annual income reviews. If your income increases above program limits, you’ll typically have a phase-out period or transition to market-rate housing. This is actually progress toward self-sufficiency, which is the goal of these programs.

Are there programs specifically for single mothers?

While most housing programs don’t specifically target single mothers, they do prioritize families with children and those experiencing homelessness – situations that disproportionately affect single mothers. Some specialized programs like Jeremiah Program specifically serve single mothers.

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams are rampant: Never pay fees to apply for Section 8, public housing, or other government programs. All legitimate government housing programs are free to apply for.

Fake landlords: Be extremely wary of rental listings requiring money before viewing properties, or deals that seem too good to be true. Always verify property ownership before sending money.

“Guaranteed” assistance: No legitimate service can guarantee housing assistance or move you to the front of waiting lists. These are scams targeting desperate families.

Common Challenges You’ll Face

Severe funding shortages: All assistance programs have far more applicants than available help, and providers may be at capacity with waiting lists. Apply to multiple programs and locations.

Extensive paperwork requirements: Missing documents are the most common reason for delays or denials. Gather all required paperwork before applying.

Transportation barriers: Many appointments require in-person visits. Ask about mobile services, virtual options, or transportation assistance through local agencies.

Childcare needs during appointments: Some agencies don’t allow children during meetings. Ask about childcare assistance or family-friendly appointment times.

Tips for Success

Apply everywhere possible: Don’t wait to be denied by one program before applying to others. Cast a wide net across multiple counties and programs.

Keep meticulous records: Maintain organized files of all applications, documents, correspondence, and receipts. Make copies of everything.

Follow up consistently but respectfully: Call monthly to check application status, but understand that workers are overwhelmed. Be patient but persistent.

Be completely honest: Provide accurate information about income, assets, and circumstances. Programs are designed to help people in difficult situations, not judge them.

Get professional help: Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor for free assistance navigating the system and completing applications.

Additional Resources

Texas State Agencies

Texas Health and Human Services

SNAP, TANF, Medicaid applications
Phone: (877) 541-7905
Website: hhs.texas.gov

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Housing program information and local provider directories
Phone: (800) 525-0657
Website: tdhca.texas.gov

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

General housing information and complaint filing
Phone: (800) 569-4287
Website: hud.gov

USDA Rural Development

Rural housing and home repair programs
Phone: (800) 670-6553
Website: rd.usda.gov

Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Aid of Central Texas

Free legal help for housing issues, eviction defense
Phone: (512) 477-3950
Website: lawhelptexas.org

Texas Legal Aid

Statewide legal assistance for low-income Texans
Phone: (713) 652-0077
Website: texaslegalaid.org

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid

Legal services across South and Southwest Texas
Phone: (956) 447-4800
Website: trla.org

Financial Counseling and Education

Texas Financial Education Endowment

Free financial literacy courses statewide
Website: texasfinancial.org

Consumer Credit Counseling Service

Debt counseling and financial education
Phone: (800) 388-2227

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Texas guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, USDA, HUD, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, USDA Rural Development, HUD, and local housing authority sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and availability can change frequently. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always verify current program requirements, application deadlines, and income limits with the relevant agency before applying.

Funding for assistance programs is limited and not guaranteed to be available when you apply. Many programs have waiting lists or may be closed to new applicants. Contact programs directly or speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287 for the most current information and personalized assistance.

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