Shelter Shortages Put Texas Survivors at Risk

Across Texas, shelters are stretched to the limit. Each night, hundreds of survivors of domestic violence are turned away because there are not enough beds. The housing crisis, coupled with increased reports of violence, has created a life-threatening shortage of shelter capacity.

Scope of the Problem

• Many Texas shelters report operating at over 90% capacity year-round.

• Survivors in rural areas face multi-hour drives to reach safety.

• Transitional housing waitlists can extend for months.

Why Shelters Are Overwhelmed

• Housing Shortage: Lack of affordable housing traps survivors in shelters longer.

• Funding Gaps: Federal VOCA cuts and insufficient state investment.

• Population Growth: Higher demand with fewer resources.

Consequences for Survivors

• Returning to abusers out of desperation.

• Increased risk of homelessness and victimization.

• Higher danger of femicide, as leaving is the most dangerous time.

Solutions Advocates Demand

• More shelter beds and transitional housing units.

• Multi-year funding to stabilize nonprofits.

• Emergency housing vouchers for survivors.

Conclusion

Texas’s shelter crisis is a public safety issue. Without urgent investment in housing and survivor services, more lives will be lost to preventable violence.

FAQs

1. How full are Texas shelters?
   Most operate at over 90% capacity.

2. What happens when survivors are turned away?
   They may return to abusers or face homelessness.

3. Why are shelters so overwhelmed?
   Housing shortages, funding cuts, and growing demand.

4. What’s the biggest danger of limited shelter space?
   Increased femicide risk during escape attempts.

5. What’s the solution?
   More shelter capacity, housing vouchers, and stable funding.