Support Right Now: Housing & Utilities Help for Texas Moms

If you’re behind on rent or bills, here’s what to do today—and where to find real help.

Start Here: 5 Steps If You’re Behind

  1. Call your utility/landlord today and request a payment arrangement (note the date and time, and who you spoke with).

  2. Ask your electric provider if a pledge from an assistance agency will place a temporary hold on disconnection.

  3. Apply for CEAP (utility assistance) and WAP (home weatherization) through your local provider.

  4. Use 2-1-1 Texas to find local rent/utility help by county/ZIP.

  5. Loop in a navigator who can act fast on your behalf. Call your OB clinic social worker, WIC office, or a local Community Action agency and ask for: (a) Help submitting a utility agency pledge to pause disconnection, (b) A Verification of Pregnancy/need letter for assistance applications, and (c) Help completing Critical Care/Chronic Condition forms if medical equipment is in the home. They can often fax documents and escalate cases the same day.

  • Texas landlords must follow a legal process before you can be evicted. Don’t ignore papers—read the date, file an Answer, and go to court.

  • If you’re behind on your light or gas bill, call your provider and ask for a payment plan. Next, apply for CEAP (utility assistance) through a local agency and check whether you qualify for weatherization to lower future bills.

  • If someone in your home uses life-sustaining medical equipment, ask your doctor to complete the Critical Care/Chronic Condition form and submit it to your utility. You’ll get extra notices and time, but you still need a backup plan for outages.

  • Lifeline, a federally funded benefit that helps lower-income households afford phone or Internet service, can reduce your monthly phone or Internet bill. Ask your provider about any low-cost plans.

Get Help with Your Utilities

  • WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program): Free efficiency upgrades that help to lower bills over the long term.

  • Disconnection protections: PUCT customer-protection rules restrict disconnections during extreme weather and allow customers who rely on electrically powered medical equipment to apply for a “critical care/chronic condition” designation that gives extra notice and payment-time protections but does not guarantee continuous power, and most utilities require a physician-completed form or certification to enroll (check with your provider).

  • Phone/Internet savings: Lower-income households can still get a monthly Lifeline discount toward phone or broadband service; the much larger Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024, so ask providers about current low-cost plans and Lifeline eligibility and enrollment steps.

Find Affordable Housing

HUD Resource Locator

A searchable national database of subsidized housing and Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) that you can filter by county or ZIP. Use it to find nearby affordable complexes and PHA contact info. Note it does not show vacancies, so always call properties directly to ask about current openings, waitlists, and application deadlines.

Public Housing Agencies

A single, downloadable list of every Texas PHA with phone numbers and application contacts so you can reach the agency that manages vouchers and public housing in your area. Contact your local PHA to confirm waitlist status, learn eligibility rules or preference categories, and get the exact documents you’ll need to apply.

Local Tools - Example: Austin’s AHOST

City or region-specific housing portals aggregate local programs—like emergency rental assistance, rapid rehousing, landlord mediation, and navigator services—that may not appear in national databases. Use these tools to connect with on-the-ground navigators, find programs with faster turnaround, and access local supports (move-in help, landlord outreach, short-term subsidies) tailored to your county.

Getting Safe—Crisis & Housing Help

If You or Your Children Are in Immediate Danger

  • Call 911 now. If you can’t speak, call and leave the line open or use your phone’s emergency features.

Housing Options & Emergency Shelter

Emergency shelters provide immediate safe housing, meals, and advocacy; transitional housing programs can help with longer stays and move-in support.

Domestic violence advocates can help with urgent housing placements, vouchers, landlord outreach, and contacting Housing Authorities on your behalf.

Legal Help

  • A protective order can create legal barriers and provide documentation. Advocates and legal clinics can assist with filing.

  • Legal aid and pro bono lawyers often help survivors with housing issues. Seek out their assistance.

If You’re Fleeing Violence

  • Get to safety first: a friend, family member, shelter, or a public place.

  • Bring essentials if you can: ID, meds, children’s items, important documents, cash, and keys. Please keep them in a safe bag or a hidden place.

  • Contact a local domestic violence advocate. They can help with safety planning, emergency shelter, and next steps. If you don’t know a regional program, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text BEGIN to 88788.

  • Let someone you trust know your plan and a safe check-in time or code word.

What Save Texas Moms Can Do

  • Provide confidential referrals to local domestic violence programs, shelter hotlines, and tenant/advocacy resources.

  • Help you connect with a social worker, WIC navigator, or community-based advocate who can assist with emergency housing referrals and documentation for housing/utility applications.

Note: STM provides referrals and information; we are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.

Texas Survivors: Know Your Rights & What to Do

  • Texas survivors may be able to end a lease early or receive special protections—but the steps and required documents vary. Common types of documentation that can allow early termination include:

    • A protective order (restraining order) or police report

    • A letter from a qualified domestic violence service provider, attorney, or shelter

  • If you are considering ending a lease, keep copies of notices, police reports, clinic or shelter letters, and any communications with your landlord.

Safety Precautions

  • Change locks and secure doors/windows when you move to a new residence; keep a close eye on your keys.

  • If bills or utilities are in both names, ask a domestic violence advocate or legal aid about options to separate accounts and protect your credit.

Documents You May Need

  • Photo ID

    • For verifying identity when applying for assistance

  • Lease/mortgage

    • For proving residency and the amount you owe

  • Past due/termination notices

    • For showing imminent risk (used to prioritize aid, stop shutoffs, or in eviction court)

  • Full utility bill with account #

    • For submitting CEAP or utility-assistance applications

  • Proof of income (paystubs/award letters/unemployment notices/SNAP or TANF letter)

    • For determining eligibility and benefit amount for most assistance programs

  • Social Security Numbers (if required)

    • For identity and eligibility checks on some programs

  • Bank statements/proof of funds

    • For voucher applications, emergency assistance, or verifying the need for move-in help

  • Protective order, police report, or letter from DV advocate

    • For early lease termination, emergency housing prioritization, confidentiality requests, and some legal remedies.

  • Medical note/verification for critical care or life-sustaining equipment

    • For requesting extra notification time from utilities or priority status when outages occur.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Call 911 now.

  • Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text BEGIN to 88788.

  • You’re not alone. This page lists quick safety steps, housing options, legal protections, and how to get confidential help. If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

  • Contact Save Texas Moms for a confidential referral. Use a safe device.

Center for Transforming Lives (Dallas Area)

Provides rapid rehousing and long-term leasing support to mothers and their children.

SAMMinistries (San Antonio)

Supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)

Runs state and federally funded programs, including HOME-ARP and Section 8 vouchers; referrals through their Help for Texans portal.