The cost of living in Texas is a little lower than it is on a national average. The overall cost of living is around 8% lower, and the housing costs are around 16% lower. Plus, Texas is one of the few states that do not have a state income tax, further making it an attractive place to live. The state does also have a low minimum wage, which leads people to struggle financially. The good news is that there are programs that offer housing assistance for ex-felons in Texas.
The programs offering housing assistance for ex-felons in Texas are provided through the federal and state government, as well as through non-profit organizations. The programs seek to help reduce homelessness in a variety of ways. Together, they provide people with the housing assistance they desire in order to ensure their basic needs are being met.
There is one program through the federal government that provides people with a low interest loan to purchase a home. That has to be paid back, because it is a loan, but the other programs provide free financial help that never has to be paid back. Apply for all the programs you feel qualified for, because there is no limit to how many you can get help from at one time.
Programs Offering Housing Assistance for Ex-Felons in Texas
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency is part of the federal government and helps with housing issues in every state. The programs they offer are open to those who have a low income and are legal residents of the state. They provide a variety of programs to help meet the housing needs of those in the community. Some of the programs they provide include rental assistance, foreclosure avoidance, help paying for necessary home repairs, and weatherization services. They also have a Section 8 program, which provides people with a government owned housing unit to live in. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through HUD. As long as you continue to qualify you can keep getting help from them. Their weatherization services program will help make the home more energy efficient, which will reduce your monthly utility bills. To get more information about the programs offered through HUD that will provide housing assistance for ex-felons in Texas, click here.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – This program is provided through the federal government and does help with housing assistance for ex-felons. In Texas, as around the country, the rural development program that is offered through the USDA encourages people to live in rural areas of the state. Those who have a low income and are legal residents may qualify for a low interest loan or a grant that is used to purchase or build a home in a rural area. To get more information about the rural development program in Texas, click here.
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs – This is a state agency that focuses on housing issues in Texas. They offer helpful programs for those who are struggling financially and need assistance. They have a variety of programs to help people in the community who are struggling with different housing related issues. They offer programs for those who are homeless, home ownership programs for those would like to buy a home, rental assistance, and more. They can provide help with everything from paying the rent to locating affordable housing. To get more information about the programs offered, click here.
Shared Housing – This organization has programs in place to help those needing housing assistance. Ex- felons in Texas can apply for the programs, which provide people a place to live, as well as case management to help people become more stable and self sufficient. They offer a group residence, as well as a program for those who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. To get more information about the programs offered at Shared Housing, click here.
Ivy’s Transitional Housing – This faith based program offers transitional housing for those who need the assistance. The program offers a place for the people to live for six months, and provides them with guidance and case management, so that they can become self sufficient. They get another six months of guidance once they leave the program, which helps ensure their success. The program provides them with transportation and meals, as well as a place to live. To get more information about this transitional housing program, click here.
Interfaith Family Services – This organization offers several programs to help those in need in the community. They also provide housing assistance for ex-felons in Texas. Some of the programs they offer include rent assistance, job training and placement, housing, and wellness and self care. They can help people locate affordable housing in their area, as well as get help paying for it. To get more information about the programs offered, click here.
Harmony House – This group focuses on helping people who are vulnerable with their housing needs. They have a program to help those who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. The mission is to help each person become self sufficient and be able to live in their own permanent housing. They can help people with transitional housing as well. To get more information about the programs offered, click here.
Magnificent Houses – This organization offers housing assistance for ex-felons in Texas. The program provides a supportive housing environment for those who have been incarcerated and are trying to get their life back on track. They provide a place to live for up to 90 days, as well as offer supportive homes, which provides people with a longer term place to live. To get more information about the programs, click here.
In addition to these programs, contact your local churches to see if they have any programs that offer housing assistance for ex-felons. In Texas, there are many churches and most of them have some type of program to help people in the community.
