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Transitional Housing in Houston, TX

Free & low-cost transitional housing programs for people rebuilding their lives in Houston, TX

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Quick Answer

The Houston area has approximately 60 transitional housing programs. Many programs are free through HUD, the VA, Texas state programs, and local nonprofits. Programs that charge typically ask for $300–$1000/month or 30% of income. Call 211 for local referrals or the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) if you are fleeing domestic violence.

Houston, TX Transitional Housing at a Glance

~60

Programs

Free–$1000

Monthly Cost

3–24

Months (Typical Stay)

7

Populations Served

Transitional Housing Programs in Houston, TX

9 verified as of . Listing is not an endorsement — always call ahead; availability changes daily.

FacilityAreaPhoneDetails
Star of Hope Mission - Doris and Carloss Morris Men's Development Center
1811 Ruiz St, Houston, TX 77002
Downtown Houston(713) 226-5414men only, faith-based, emergency shelter + residential recovery programs, job training
Star of Hope Mission - Women & Family Development Center
2575 Reed Rd, Houston, TX
South Houston (Reed Rd at Hwy 288)713-222-2220women and families, up to 160 single women and 130 families, faith-based, transitional living
Open Door Mission (DoorWay Recovery Program)
5803 Harrisburg Boulevard, Houston, TX 77011
East End713-921-7520men only, faith-based, 16-week residential recovery curriculum, serves homeless men with addiction
Magnificat Houses, Inc.
1410 Elgin St, Houston, TX
Midtown (15 residential properties)(713) 529-4231men and women, emergency shelter + SRO supportive housing, 30-90 day programs for ex-offenders
Covenant House Texas (Rights of Passage)network
1111 Lovett Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
Montrose—youth 18-24, transitional housing up to 2 years, emergency shelter on same campus
The Women's Home
607 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Montrose713-328-1954women only, up to 18 months housing, residential treatment + transitional housing, co-occurring disorders
Santa Maria Hostel - Bonita House
2605 Parker Road, Houston, TX 77093
North Houston713-691-0900women and women with children, residential treatment + recovery housing, emergency shelter for single women, pregnant/parenting services
U.S.VETS Houston - Veterans Villagenetwork
18818 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070
Willowbrook832.203.1626veterans, transitional + permanent supportive housing, houses 130 veterans, career and mental health services
The Salvation Army of Greater Houston - Jones Family Residencenetwork
Contact for location
Midtown Houston (McGowen St)—women and families, housing navigation program, 12 months follow-up case management, no fee

How we verify: every listing is cross-checked against the organization's own website plus at least one independent source (official directories, Oxford House, Texascertification lists, or listing platforms) at the date shown above. Programs close and fill up — call before visiting. Facilities marked "Contact for location" keep their address private by design.

What Is Transitional Housing?

Transitional housing provides temporary housing combined with supportive services to help people move from homelessness or crisis situations to permanent, stable housing. Unlike emergency shelters (which offer short-term beds, often just overnight), transitional housing programs typically last 3 to 24 months and include case management, job training, financial literacy, counseling, and help finding permanent housing.

Transitional housing in Houstonserves a wide range of people: those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors, veterans, families with children, youth aging out of foster care, people reentering society after incarceration, and those in addiction recovery. The goal is always the same — providing a stable foundation so residents can get back on their feet and achieve lasting independence.

Unlike halfway houses (which are specifically for people leaving incarceration or in substance abuse recovery), transitional housing serves a broader population and typically has fewer restrictions. There may not be curfews, mandatory meetings, or drug testing — though program-specific rules vary.

Who Can Apply for Transitional Housing in Houston?

Transitional housing programs in Houston serve the following populations. Eligibility varies by program.

YesPeople experiencing homelessness
YesDomestic violence survivors
YesVeterans
YesFamilies with children
YesYouth aging out of foster care
YesPeople with criminal records
YesPeople in addiction recovery

Cost Breakdown

Free programs: Many transitional housing programs in Houston are completely free, especially those funded by HUD Continuum of Care grants, the VA (for veterans), or Texas state programs. DV shelters and youth-specific programs are almost always free.

Income-based programs: Some programs ask residents to contribute 30% of their income toward rent once they are employed. If you have no income, you pay nothing. This model helps residents practice budgeting and saving for permanent housing.

Fee-based programs: Some private or nonprofit programs charge a modest monthly fee, typically $300–$1000/month. This often includes a room, meals, utilities, and access to supportive services like case management and job training.

How to Find Transitional Housing in Houston

  1. 1.

    Call 211

    Dial 211 for free, confidential referrals to transitional housing, shelters, and supportive services in Houston. Available 24/7 in most areas. You can also visit 211.org.

  2. 2.

    Contact Your Local Continuum of Care (CoC)

    HUD funds a Continuum of Care in every community, which coordinates access to transitional housing. In Houston, this is typically managed through a coordinated entry system. Visit HUD Exchange to find your local CoC.

  3. 3.

    Veterans: Contact the VA

    Veterans can access transitional housing through the VA's Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program, HUD-VASH vouchers, and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Call the VA homeless veteran helpline at 1-877-424-3838.

  4. 4.

    DV Survivors: Call the National Hotline

    If you are fleeing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, confidential). They can connect you with safe transitional housing programs in Houston for survivors and their children.

  5. 5.

    Contact Local Nonprofits Directly

    Many transitional housing programs accept direct applications. See the notable organizations listed below for programs in Houston. You can also visit a local shelter or community action agency to get connected with transitional housing options.

Transitional Housing Organizations in Houston

These organizations provide transitional housing or can connect you with programs in the Houston area. Contact them directly for availability and eligibility requirements.

  • •Star of Hope Mission
  • •Salvation Army of Greater Houston
  • •SEARCH Homeless Services
  • •New Hope Housing

Texas Transitional Housing Programs

Texas funds transitional housing through the Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP) administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County coordinates local efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is transitional housing in Houston, TX?
Transitional housing in Houston provides temporary housing (typically 3-24 months) combined with supportive services like case management, job training, and counseling. Unlike emergency shelters, transitional housing offers a stable address and structured programs to help residents achieve self-sufficiency. Houston has approximately 60 transitional housing programs serving various populations.
How much does transitional housing cost in Houston?
Many transitional housing programs in Houston are free, especially those funded by HUD, the VA, or Texas state programs. Some programs charge a modest fee or require residents to contribute a percentage of their income (typically 30%). Private programs may charge up to $1000/month, which usually includes housing, meals, and supportive services.
How do I apply for transitional housing in Houston, TX?
Start by calling 211 for local referrals in Houston. You can also contact your local Continuum of Care (CoC), visit a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, or reach out to the Texas housing authority. Veterans should contact the VA at 1-877-424-3838. DV survivors can call the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Many programs accept walk-in applications at local shelters or service centers.
How long can I stay in transitional housing in Houston?
Most transitional housing programs in Houston allow stays of 3 to 24 months. The exact length depends on the program and your progress toward goals like stable employment and permanent housing. Some programs offer extensions if you are actively working your plan. HUD-funded programs typically allow up to 24 months.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Transitional housing availability, eligibility, costs, and program rules change frequently. Always contact programs directly to confirm current policies and availability. For help finding transitional housing, call 211. For domestic violence services, call the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. For veterans, call 1-877-424-3838. For legal advice about your rights, contact a legal aid organization near you.

Sources