Thinking about where to live next? Couch surfing or homeless?
You have options...
Hey there!
Welcome to your one-stop hub for exploring housing options and securing a safe, stable home. Whether you're just starting your journey to independence or looking for some extra support, we've got you covered.
Ready to take the next step? Get connected with one of our friendly housing liaisons, who will guide you through the process and help you every step of the way. They’re here to answer your questions, share resources, and make sure you feel confident and supported. They can also assist your caseworker or PAL worker to explore all your options and create a housing plan – a roadmap for success.
It's time to get real about your future. Complete your personalized housing plan today and take control of your path to a secure home. Let's make this happen together!
Hear from those who've been there...
Get Connected. Get Real. Get a Home.
The first step is to reach out to your caseworker, PAL worker, or the housing liaison in your region.
You may also reach out to the DFPS State Office Youth Housing Specialist, Jim Currier, MSW, at the Youth Housing Program mailbox.
Hear from Jim in this video.
Prepare and Plan for Housing
You are encouraged to prepare and plan for housing as early as possible. You are required to complete a housing plan at 17 if you are transitioning out of care. However, a housing plan can be completed or updated at any time for those who have left care.
Connect with your caseworker, PAL worker, or regional housing liaison for support and guidance.
Resources:
Housing Readiness Almost 18
Step-by-Step Housing Guide Housing Plan
Housing Opportunities at a Glance
Consider housing options:
Although rental assistance programs and screening for eligibility is suggested as the first step in exploring housing options, youth not ready for independent living, out of care housing options, and who are interested in further developing life skills to become self-sufficient may want to consider the Extended Foster Care or the Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program.
These programs can serve as a bridge to out of care housing options and rental assistance programs to support independent living when you are ready to do so. Contact our EFC/SIL Program Specialist.
Public housing authorities across the state provide rental assistance through housing vouchers. Two of these vouchers may be available in certain parts of the state for youth with foster care involvement, who left or are transitioning out of foster care, who are at risk or experiencing homelessness. These vouchers are the Family Unification Program (FUP) Voucher, and the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Voucher. These programs are for youth 18-24 years of age and provide up to 36 months of rental assistance.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs also administers a Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program. This program is for youth with disabilities who are transitioning from foster care to adulthood and need rental assistance. For more information about this program, to follow up on applications, or to schedule a training to become a referral agent, email Kaitlin Devlin at the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Youth out of foster care might consider an independent transitional living program. Refer to this list of Transitional Independent Living Programs throughout Texas.
If youth-targeted rental assistance programs are not available, some Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) offer additional rental assistance programs that can be explored, including Housing Choice Vouchers, and some have Emergency Vouchers. These possibilities can be discussed directly with local public housing authorities where young adults plan to reside. In most cases, youth will have to be 18 to apply for traditional Housing Choice Vouchers.
In some areas, there are Continuum of Care (Coordinated Entry Programs) and nonprofit providers that offer emergency shelters, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs. These programs are limited and often target those who are chronically disabled and homeless. Search for "Housing for the Homeless" on the web for similar programs in your area.
Explore All Your Options
Explore all of your options, like Extended Foster Care and FYI Vouchers.
In this video, Alina explains Extended Foster Care.
DFPS State Office Youth Specialists
Did you know that you have access to youth specialists? If you want to talk to a youth specialist, you can reach out to Charles Batiste or Jan Heisman.
Hear from Jan in this video.
Resources
Texas Housing Assistance Line at 1-855-802-0014
This resource is available statewide 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help people facing housing instability or homelessness, with a focus on people dealing with mental health or substance use issues. Trained consultants will refer callers to local housing resources, crisis services, local mental and behavioral health authorities, outreach, screening, assessment, and referral programs, as well as 2-1-1 as appropriate.
Handouts and Information
- Housing Plan Template
- Housing Process Flow Chart | Housing Process Description
- FYI Program Overview
- FYI Topic Guides
- FYI Webinar Series
- FYI Flyer
- FYI Explainer Video
- FYI Landlord Recruitment - HUD Exchange
- Texas Foster Youth Justice Project
- Texas Network of Youth Services
- Texas Homeless Network
- Texas Youth Helpline
- National Alliance to End Homelessness
- National Network for Youth
- Housing Readiness handout
- Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Resource Locator
- FindHelp.org
Contact Info
The following contacts are available, based on your region:
- DFPS PAL Staff
- DFPS Regional Youth Housing Liaisons
- Local Mental Health Authorities
- Transition Centers
- Transitional Independent Living Programs
You may also reach out to the DFPS State Office Youth Housing Specialist, Jim Currier, MSW, at the Youth Housing Program mailbox.