The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has introduced a new hotline designed to support students experiencing homelessness. The TEHCY Support Hotline offers real-time assistance from trained experts to families and educators across the state. By calling 1-855-85TEHCY (1-855-858-3429), individuals can access immediate technical help, resources, and guidance related to student homelessness during weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CST.
Commissioner Mike Morath emphasized the importance of this service, stating, “Families should never have to navigate the challenges of homelessness alone. 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.”
In addition to the hotline, TEA has implemented a web-based intake form for submitting technical assistance requests at any time. Advanced data-tracking tools are also being used to improve coordination among education service providers statewide.
These new features enhance the existing Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) Regional Network, which collaborates with all 20 Education Service Centers in Texas. The network supports more than 1,200 school systems by providing direct assistance through regional McKinney-Vento Liaisons. These liaisons offer professional development and outreach services focused on students experiencing homelessness.
The TEHCY Web Portal continues to serve as a comprehensive resource hub for training materials, compliance information, and practical tools aimed at identifying and supporting homeless students.
Under the federal McKinney-Vento Act, schools are required to identify and assist students without stable housing. The expanded TEHCY Support system is intended to strengthen these efforts by ensuring that both families and educators have prompt access to needed support statewide.
For further details or support regarding these services, individuals are encouraged to visit the TEA website or call the newly launched hotline.
