TEA Launches Hotline to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness
The Texas Education Agency has launched Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth Support, a statewide initiative to help families and educators assisting students experiencing homelessness under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
At the heart of the initiative is the TEHCY Support Hotline, a toll-free number that gives parents and educators real-time access to trained experts. Whether a parent needs help enrolling a child in school or an educator seeks guidance on supporting a student experiencing homelessness, the hotline offers technical assistance, resources and support.
“Families should never have to navigate the challenges of homelessness alone,” said Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath. “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.”
TEHCY Support also includes a web-based intake form for submitting technical assistance requests and advanced data-tracking tools to improve coordination statewide. These enhancements build on the existing TEHCY Regional Network, a partnership with the state’s 20 Education Service Centers that support more than 1,200 school systems.
Available TEHCY Resources
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
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; https://tehcy.tea.texas.gov/m ckinney-vento-statewide-regional- contacts
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.
The McKinney-Vento Act requires school systems to ensure students experiencing homelessness are identified, enrolled and supported. TEHCY Support strengthens these efforts by giving educators and families quick access to real-time assistance and statewide resources.
Web-Based Intake Form (New) Submit questions and requests anytime through the intake button on the TEHCY Web Portal; https://tehcy.tea.texas.gov/ For more information, visit the TEHCY Web Portal or call the TEHCY Support Hotline at 1-855-85TEHCY (1-855-858-3429).