The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has launched a new statewide hotline to support students experiencing homelessness. The initiative, called Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) Support, provides families and educators with direct access to trained experts who can help navigate school enrollment, resources, and compliance with federal protections.
The TEHCY Support Hotline is a toll-free service designed to offer real-time assistance. Parents, caregivers, and educators can call to receive guidance on issues such as enrolling children in school, connecting with community resources, and understanding the rights of students under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. In addition to the hotline, TEA has introduced a web-based intake form, allowing questions and requests to be submitted at any time.
This program addresses the growing need for support among students without stable housing. Homelessness can create significant barriers to education, and the hotline ensures that families and schools have immediate help in overcoming those challenges. By offering technical assistance and practical resources, TEA aims to reduce disruptions in learning and provide stability for vulnerable students.
TEA also emphasizes that the hotline is part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration between schools, families, and communities. By making expert guidance easily accessible, the agency hopes to improve educational outcomes for students experiencing homelessness and ensure that districts meet their legal responsibilities. The hotline represents a proactive step toward equity and support for some of Texas’s most at-risk learners.
TEHCY Support Hotline (New)
Families and educators can call 1-855-85TEHCY (1-855-858-3429)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. CST
Web-Based Intake Form (New)
Submit questions and requests anytime through the intake button on the TEHCY Web Portal.
TEHCY Regional Network
Regional ESC McKinney-Vento Liaisons provide direct support to students, families and school staff, including professional development and outreach for students experiencing homelessness. To locate your regional contact, please visit the McKinney-Vento Statewide Regional Contacts page.
TEHCY Web Portal
A one-stop shop with training, compliance guidance and practical resources for identifying and serving students experiencing homelessness. Visit the TEHCY Web Portal.
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