Texas Education Agency launches new hotline to help students experiencing homelessness
“Families should never have to navigate the challenges of homelessness alone,” TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said in a written statement.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has launched a new statewide hotline aimed at supporting students and families experiencing homelessness.
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The Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) Support Hotline connects parents, caregivers, and educators directly with trained experts who can provide real-time assistance — from helping a student enroll in school to navigating available state and federal resources.
The new hotline is part of a broader initiative under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which requires schools to identify and support students without stable housing. The program also includes a web-based intake form for submitting requests and data-tracking tools to improve coordination between districts and state agencies.
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Through the TEHCY Regional Network, the initiative partners with 20 Education Service Centers across Texas, supporting more than 1,200 school systems.
How to Get Help:
- TEHCY Support Hotline: 1-855-85TEHCY (1-855-858-3429)
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. CST
- Web Intake Form: Available anytime through the TEHCY Web Portal
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The agency also notes these new tools are designed to make it easier for schools and families to access the help they need, and in turn, ensure every child in Texas has access to education, regardless of their housing situation.
“Families should never have to navigate the challenges of homelessness alone,” TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said in a written statement. “Now, educators, parents, and caregivers can pick up the phone and immediately connect with someone who understands their situation and can guide them to the right resources.”
