Housing For Felons In Texas

The feeling of walking past the threshold. Knowing that you are free to eat anything, go anywhere, and decide your fate and activities. It’s like a bird let free to fly the skies. Which surprisingly has a completely different meaning from the term jailbird. Every free felon has immediate challenges facing them. Housing for felons in Texas is one challenge for those freed living in the state or looking to reside.

Either way, with freedom and release from confinement, comes certain responsibilities; like housing, feeding, and clothing yourself. All these actions can be challenging and require money. Though due to your record, the process becomes even more of a challenge than normal, but do not worry. This is the reason this platform exists. I will guide you through the resources you will need to get your life back on track after release.

Felon Friendly Apartments In Texas

The most important step after your release will be getting comfortable housing, so you have a place to rest. This you will discover, if you have not already, can be a bit stressful, though not impossible.

An easy way would be squatting with friends and family, till you can at least get on your feet. But if that is not an option, I will guide you through the many steps and options available. Rest assured that though it will not be easy, you can take advantage of a wide range of resources to find what suits your specific needs.

List Cities/Places In Texas To Live

Texas, also known as the lone star state is a great place to live, especially for felons. It is a beautiful state filled with so much culture, music, catering barbeque, and beautiful weather. It is also a friendly state, home to ex-felons as long as they continue to uphold the law. Why? Because it is surprisingly affordable to live in. 

It comes as no surprise that the number of convicted felons in Texas is steadily increasing. Recent studies have shown the number of people convicted of a felony is up by more than 20 percent in the last five years.

So what makes Texas friendly? Apart from Southern hospitality, there is the issue of affordable rent, though there are a few cities where rent is a bit more expensive. I will list out some of the most affordable areas to live in where you can live without needing to break the bank.

Affordable Cities In Texas

You should do some research before signing a lease on an apartment. This is to help you learn more about the average rent prices around Texas before you commit.

NB: The data provided below are rent estimates. The numbers may expand beyond those listed. Ensure to make your research and ask to be updated on any changes.

The average rent for an apartment in Texas is around: $1,143.6

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Texas is: $1,185.94

The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Texas is: $1,933.86

The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Texas is: $1,780.38

• Odessa

Founded in 1881 when the Texas and Pacific Highway arrived. Its location was originally a water stop and cattle shipping point, but boomed when the townspeople discovered oil in the late 1920s. Odessa later looked to diversify the energy it produced and constructed a wind farm, and coal pollution mitigation plant.

Newcomers are drawn to Odessa because of its energy industries, stable job market, and nearby universities and colleges. It is home to the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Odessa College. It is also an ideal location for young professionals and families because of the demography around it. College students are also welcome. It is a great place for construction and service industries like restaurants. There is also a low cost of living and no personal income taxes, a great place to start a small business.

• San Angelo

Located along the Concho River in Texas, it was inhabited as early as the 1600s and beyond by indigenous peoples. It later became the home of a Franciscan mission in 1632, founded to serve the local Native Americans. 

While job growth does not seem to be on the rise like in other cities, finding work is still possible. Employment opportunities include manufacturing and food processing.

It is an attractive location because of the low cost of living. Beautiful landscape, with a Concho River Walk with leafy walking trails, gardens, and parks.

• Midland

Established in 1881 on the Texas and Pacific Railway, it rapidly grew during the oil boom. Its economy first bloomed under the influence of petroleum, but it later became a regional telecommunications and distribution center. In all its growth and shifts, Midlands continuously ranks as one of Texas’s best and cheapest places to live.

It’s also a great place for those looking to raise a family. It also is home to Midland College, a professional pilot training program, and a degree in applied technology.

It boasts of a strong economy focusing on oil and gas, retail, healthcare, education, and construction.

Its affordable cost of living allows locals plenty of options regarding having enough disposable income to spend. 

• Lubbock

Founded in 1876. It soon became home to a railroad that brought more activity to the area and the Reese Air Force Base. During World War II, it was a hotspot for air training, even frequented by England’s Royal Air Force. It later earned the nickname “Hub City,” for its economic, educational institution, and healthcare hub.

Its job market steadily climbing, with a projected 39.8% growth over the next decade. Businesses ranging from agribusiness, education, food processing, health services, information and technology, and manufacturing. 

It is also a powerhouse with a musical and ranching heritage, with attractions to match. Places like; The Buddy Holly Center, National Ranching Heritage Center, Buddy Holly Statue, and West Texas Walk of Fame. The Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co. hosts live music ranging from soul to folk. A place for a definite good time.

• Bryan

Located in Brazos Valley in East and Central Texas, about 100 miles from Houston. The original residents settled here during the 1800s after the land was donated for a town site for the Texas Central Railroad.

The city’s low rent costs make it great for college students, young professionals, and felons looking for more space to settle in.

Its future job growth is predicted to reach about 40.4% over the next 10 years. Job opportunities in the area include manufacturing, technology, and education, including positions at A&M University.

• Richmond

Founded when Austin settlers traveled up the Brazos River and stopped near Richmond to build Fort Bend. It is now one of the cheapest places to live in Texas and is one of the most successful planned communities in the Houston metro area.

A prime location that affords you your choice of workplace and fun with an affordable cost of living. It’s an affordable place for felons looking to get their life together.

Rail lines and roadways help with traffic and connection, making it a central location for major industries, including manufacturing, construction, government, retail, and healthcare. 

• Beaumont

It was established in 1838 as a center for cattle farmers. Then became a lumber and rice-milling town. Beaumont has great colleges, like Lamar University and other community colleges. 

It’s a great place for job stability, with new opportunities. The city houses chemical plants, oil refineries, and the Port of Beaumont, one of the largest seaports in the U.S. There are also three major hospitals, large clinics, and medical centers.

With its booming economy and career opportunities, the cost of living and rent is surprisingly affordable.

Like Midland, the cost of living allows residents to spend enough disposable income on a wide variety of attractions, including restaurants, museums, National Preserve, shopping, and dining. 

• Longview

Founded in 1870 when the Southern Pacific Railroad extended from Marshall into Gregg County. A new town was purchased and later turned into Longview. It is home to 25 lakes and dozens of outdoor activities.

A beautiful city known as the Purple Martin Capital of Texas, populated by beautiful and vibrant birds.

In the past decade, the city has been among the fastest-growing small cities in the country, a good place for felons to find employment

• Clute

Located within the Houston metropolitan area, it was once the home to plantation land, though it eventually expanded to a population of ten by 1933. The quiet town was unpopular until 2003 when a fossilized mammoth was discovered in it and named Asiel.

While the unemployment rate in Clute is higher than the national average, it is seeing a steady climb over the years. Job opportunities in the area include The Dow Chemical Company, Fluor Corporation, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Its affordable cost of living makes it a desirable place to live Live without putting much strain on your finances. 

• El Paso

El Paso, or “the Pass,” is a multicultural city in western Texas consisting of a large Hispanic population. It is situated along the Rio Grande across from Ciudad Juárez and is home to the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Biggs Army Airfield, and Fort Bliss.

El Paso is among the largest metro areas in Texas and the largest U.S. city on the Mexican border. Its sunny weather is appealing to those looking for year-round warm weather. It is a family-friendly city that boasts Mexican culture and some of the best Tex-Mex around.

It also has a strong job market with more than 70 Fortune 500 companies resident in the city, including AT&T and Verizon. The job opportunities include business and financial services, food products, manufacturing, military, retail, and logistics.

Other cost-friendly cities include

• Austin
• Dallas 
• Houston
• Fort Worth 

 In general, these cities have an affordable cost of living for housing. You can make your research before you decide on which to go to. Also, if you want to reduce the cost of housing you can consider subletting, living in a short-term rental. 

Texas is a warm, friendly place with a robust economy and lots of job opportunities for felons looking to get their lives in order. It also is gun-friendly, which may be more lenient for felons who were convicted for crimes that had to do with firearms. 

Challenges Of Housing In Texas

Getting housing can be a challenge to anyone, but it is especially a challenge to someone with a record.

These are a few challenges you’ll most likely face when searching for housing as a felon in Texas. The first is your record and criminal history, especially based on the severity of the crime.

This will be the top concern on the mind of the owners of large apartment complexes or popular areas. There will be worry or concern about the risks of payment, disturbance of peace, or police disturbance in their space.

They are more likely to research you, by running a background check. So, they will run a background check and/or ask if you have your papers ready.

You should run a background check on yourself first. This way, you are aware of what exactly is on your record and be prepared for the questions that may arise. Your honesty and preparedness may impress on the owner how responsible and serious you are. This may convince them to take a chance on you. 

As I stated earlier, a good deal may refuse to take the risk for various reasons, so you shouldn’t let disappointment easily get to you. You stay positive, and respectful and keep at it. Searching for an apartment is normally a tasking affair.

Reasons Felons Are Refused Housing In Texas

The law is fair. It does not show any form of favoritism towards felons looking for housing.

If an owner or property manager thinks you could be a potential risk, or be an issue or liability to the security and safety of their property. They are within their rights to legally deny your application.

The US Fair Housing Act states that discrimination becomes illegal when a property manager bases a rental decision on an applicant’s disability, ethnicity, race, national origin, religion, sex, or familial status. As well as gender and age.

The decision to rent or not must be based majorly on an applicant’s rental history or credit score. Any other factor could be considered a bias or prejudice, which is illegal.

So issues like non-payment of rent, previous evictions, or an applicant’s credit report, are the focus of the investigation by property managers.

Equality and fairness are the aims of the Fair Housing Act.

Illegal Discrimination

Any property manager or owner who denies a rental application because of the applicant’s race, religion, sex, ethnicity, disability, family status, or ethnicity is violating US Fair Housing policy, and legal actions be taken against them.

However, it is considered legal to refuse rental housing to a felon as long as the denial does not extend to a protected classification.

Housing Laws In Texas

There are laws and requirements that property managers and owners in Texas are required to meet as well. They are required to follow anti-discrimination laws established by the US Fair Housing Act, as well as ensure the house or apartment they rent is habitable and safe. 

They are also expected to draw up a rental contract and know the process for evicting a resident.

Selections are done based on the financial and rental history of applicants and not the preferences or biases of property managers or owners.

Arbitrary Discrimination

Arbitrary discrimination has to do with illegal discrimination based on the manager’s preference for the attributes and characteristics of an applicant.

For example, once or if a property manager has rented to a felon before and then refuses to rent to another felon, (s)he can be held liable.

This is because there is obvious evidence that the decision is based on prejudice or bias. Doing more research to be well-versed and grounded in this is highly advised.

Having said that now is the time for what you came here for. The resources and tips to securing yourself an apartment or housing.

Housing For Felons In Texas

If you are overwhelmed about how to get started on your search for an apartment, do not worry, I’ve got you covered.

There are a lot of resources and sites that can help you with your search.

The good news? These resources and programs were created for your benefit, to help you assimilate back into society. To help you transition to contributing to society and help against discrimination. 

So, do not worry, because as felons, you have a whole lot of choices at your disposal, especially if you do not have reliable friends or family.

If your case is a little more urgent and you need a place to stay pronto, there is the option of temporary housing, while you search for something more permanent.

Follow this site for temporary housing options

Local Publications And Local Organizations

There are a couple of local newspapers and websites that put out rental listings for felons, which you can take advantage of. Some of which include:

• The Texas Workforce Commission. This publication offers a variety of services for convicted felons. A few include job training and placement services. This will be of tremendous help for someone who needs a place to stay, as it solves the issue of rent money. 
• The San Antonio Express-News. established in 1865. This is the largest newspaper in South Texas and one of the great places felons can go to find apartments available for rent.
• The Dallas Morning News. Founded in 1885, and is one of the most popular publications in Texas. It is one of the go-tos for felons looking for an apartment.  
• The Austin American-Statesman. Created in 1871. It is the largest newspaper in Austin and a significant source for rent listings for felons.
• The Houston Chronicle. Created in 1865. It is the largest newspaper in Texas and the ninth-largest newspaper in the entire United States. It also is another great source for rent listings. 

Some of the local organizations include:

• The Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It offers job training and placement services for felons. These include housing, employment, and education assistance.

You can go through their website for more information on the programs offered.

• The Lone Star Circle of Care. Provides healthcare services to low-income families in Texas, including convicted felons.
• The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Offers a variety of housing assistance programs, including ones for convicted felons.

Re-entering Society In Texas

More resources and programs made by organizations or states to ease your transition back to society exist. They create training programs and opportunities for you to get the skills and procedures to get what you need.

A few of these organizations include:

• Paradise Independent Living 

They provide housing programs for released inmates and homeless veterans diagnosed with mild to moderate mental illness. The program provides an independent living environment to those that qualify from six months to two years with intense rehabilitation, job programs, career training, and spiritual insights.

• Standing in Faith Ministries Inc

They assist individuals transition from a homeless state back to society. Their services vary from clothing, life skills, job referrals, resume assistance, community services for probation or parolees, food assistance, housing referrals, and a lot more.

• The Way Back 

They provide formerly incarcerated felons in the Dallas area transition to upstanding members of society. Their services include needs assessment, clothing, employment assistance, transition housing referrals, workforce readiness, social service referrals, etc.

• Texas Offenders Re-entry Initiative, or T.O.R.I. 

They help improve the lives of felons transitioning back into society. They guide, train and assist you to get the skills and tools needed. This way, you make better decisions and avoid the lifestyle that could cause you more trouble and make you a repeat offender.

• Texas County Resources Database

They gather resources to help people after release. Their services include food, housing, employment, health care, counseling, and adult education programs.

Some other organizations include:

1. Bridges to Life
2. One Man’s Treasure Clothes Closet
3. Unlocking DOORS 
4. Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI)
5. The Houston Launch Pad 
6. VOA Texas Community Re-Entry 
7. Work Faith Connection

Eligibility

Each of these organizations has a process to select people accepted into their programs. I will advise you to do in-depth research on them. List some of them below:

• You must be a recently released veteran from the military or an incarcerated felon. As a soldier, you must have at least one day (24 hours) of active duty.
• You must indeed be homeless, with no lease to your name or an eviction notice.
• Social Security Card.
• Valid and current driver’s license or ID. The veteran must obtain a Texas Driver’s License within six months of being employed.
• A homeless letter or Letter of Service.
• Any soldier dishonorably discharged will not be accepted.
• You must be actively seeking employment.

Texas Housing Authority

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) features Section 8 housing choice vouchers for felons and people in need of housing across the state. This voucher assists families and people that have low income.

It works in conjunction with HUD in Texas, supporting the needs of people who require affordable and subsidized housing. Texas public housing authorities also supply applicants with housing vouchers so they can reside in clean and affordable rental units. It also provides housing for those with disabilities and the elderly.

This financial assistance is extended to households whose yearly gross income is 50% or under HUD’s income guidelines.

HUD requires 75% of new households to be at 30% or below the area median income.

The things that qualify one to be an applicant for this program include income, size of household, the applicant’s citizenship status; childcare, and medical expenses.

Once you qualify, you can select the best housing by negotiating with the landlords.

The TDHCA in Texas then remits government-approved rental amounts directly to landlords.

Ensure you research to see the area this program covers because it does not cover all areas in Texas.

Restrictions To Participating In The HUD Program

If you have been just released from prison and your felony, you qualify for this program. Except you were incarcerated for a sexual offense or partook in the making and selling of methamphetamine.

In this case, you can discuss your housing needs with your Department of Corrections’ reentry program counselors to find a substitute option.

The Texas Religious Community

Being a member of a congregation can be a useful resource. If you are lucky, the congregation has a far reach and multiple branches. In this case, members or your pastors can help you find housing and/or employment leads.

Some of these faith-based organizations have outreach or prison programs that help felons turn their lives around. These can help give you the skill set, orientation, and resources to make yourself a productive member of society. 

Additional Felon Housing Search Tips

These are a few of the steps and guide for you to follow to boost your chances of getting an apartment. 

First, create a plan of action. This list keeps you focused and efficient in your house search. Some of which include:

• Call the local HUD office about obtaining a permanent place to live.
• Inquire about food stamps at the local health department.
• Contact job training programs and inquire about their curriculums.
• Buy professional-looking clothes for employment and housing search. They don’t have to be pricey, just look presentable, so you are taken seriously.
• Get a criminal history check. This helps in your housing and job search. This is so you are sure you’re pre-emptive and know what you are going to say to sway the mind of the employer or property manager. Rather than go unprepared and be stunned when asked about it
• If you have a substance abuse problem. Ask about counseling and help.

Felon-friendly apartments in Florida

Referrals From Friends And Family

Referrals from friends and family may be the magic bullet you need to secure permanent housing. There is something about someone willing to stand in for you, staking their name and reputation that gives the landowner a bit of assurance that you can be trusted. 

However, never ask a close friend or family member to sign an apartment lease on your behalf. This can get you evicted and/or sued. Ensure that your name has to be on a lease as an occupant, even if you are sharing with someone.

Dress And Look Professional

There is an old saying: dress how you want to be addressed. Nobody wants to entrust their means of livelihood or income earner into the hands of someone that does not look like they can even take care of themselves. This is why you need to appear presentable, so they can trust and have confidence that you would even be capable of paying rent. It doesn’t have to be expensive threads, just make sure you appear put together.

Be respectful

How you communicate informs people’s perception of you. If you want people to cooperate with you or want to help you, you need to learn how to communicate well. Just the tone of voice and choice of words can make people view you as unpleasant and someone whose presence they do not want to suffer being in.

Conclusion

The objective is to turn your life around and stay out of trouble. For that, you need to be disciplined, focused, and respectful. 

Be helpful whenever you see an opportunity to be. This will get people to be drawn to you, and in so doing, be more likely to help you when you are in need. This will raise your stock in the community, which helps to tell others that you are actively turning your life around.

Most of the reentry programs are for your benefit. Make sure you research as many as you can, as deeply as possible. Reach out to them and keep in touch. They will guide and counsel you and make the process less difficult than it would ordinarily be.

Also read: Can A Felon Become A Correctional Officer?