Help in Texas
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 24 places in Texas, most of them in Houston, Austin and Dallas, plus 11 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (14) and after prison or jail (10).
Texas Council on Family Violence
Statewide coalition of Texas family violence programs. Its Find Help page points survivors to the local shelter and advocacy program serving their county; the Austin office numbers below are general lines, not a crisis hotline.
2-1-1 Texas
Free information and referral line for food, housing, health care, utility help and other local services anywhere in Texas. Dial 2-1-1 or the toll-free number, or use the English or Spanish live chat on the website.
The SAFE Alliance
Austin provider for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking and child abuse. The confidential SAFEline takes calls, texts and web chats 24 hours a day; in-person advocacy is available weekdays.
Genesis Women's Shelter & Support
Dallas shelter and counseling program for women and children leaving abuse, offered at no cost. A single 24-hour helpline takes calls and texts for emergency shelter, safety planning and counseling.
Lone Star Legal Aid
Free civil legal aid for low-income residents of East and Southeast Texas including Houston, with units for crime victims, public benefits, eviction defense, employment and civil matters tied to the criminal justice system.
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Free civil legal services for low-income people across 114 counties in North and West Texas, including Dallas–Fort Worth. Handles eviction, family and domestic violence cases, public benefits, immigration, and removing barriers to employment and housing.
Vital Statistics Section
State office that issues certified Texas birth and death certificates and verifies marriage and divorce records. Orders can be placed online around the clock, by mail, in person, or through local county offices; you must be a qualified requester with acceptable ID and the fee.
Houston Area Women's Center
Houston's crisis center for women, children and families escaping domestic violence, sexual assault or sex trafficking. Separate 24-hour hotlines handle domestic violence and sexual assault, with a TTY line, counseling, legal help and supportive housing.
Your Texas Benefits
The state's online portal to apply for SNAP food benefits, TANF cash help, Medicaid and CHIP health coverage, WIC, and support services. Applications can also be made at an HHSC benefit office or community partner.
National lines that work in Texas
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.