Every resource here is free, DFW-based, and chosen for people who've aged out of foster care.
Every listing here is a Samaritan — a real person, church, or organization in DFW that chose to show up for people like you. They are already there. You just have to reach out.
Texas has benefits set aside just for you — by law.
If you aged out of foster care in Texas, you may qualify for the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), tuition waivers, Medicaid until age 26, and other Chafee Independent Living funds. These are not charity — they are programs the state is required to offer you.
See your state benefits on the DFPS website →Before you start calling — get these ready
Most programs will ask for a photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), your foster care ID or case number if you have it, and a way to reach you — a phone number or email address. Having these on hand before your first call will make every conversation go smoother and faster.
Real situations. Real resources.
Read each situation. Think about what you'd need. Then follow the link — the answer is already here.
You have a place to sleep tonight — but no food until payday.
Payday is four days away. The fridge is empty. You don't want to ask anyone. What do you do?
See food resources →You are 19, need an ID to begin work, and don't have your birth certificate.
The job is waiting. HR needs a state ID. You can't get the ID without the birth certificate. Where do you even start?
See work resources →Your lease ends in two weeks and you have nowhere lined up.
The landlord isn't renewing. You've called three places — no callbacks. You're not sure if a shelter is your only option.
See housing resources →Finding stable housing after aging out is one of the hardest challenges — but DFW has more options than most cities. Start with 211 for a full picture, then work down this list based on your situation.
Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a live referral to housing programs in your area. Available 24/7. This is the fastest way to find what's open right now.
Call first, then follow up in writing. Ask the operator to email you the referrals so you have a record.
Call 211 before you call any individual program — they know what has openings today.
TRAC connects current and former foster youth to housing, case management, and independent living services across North Texas. They know the system and can help you navigate it.
TRAC is one of the few organizations specifically built for foster youth. If you don't know where to start, start here.
Visit their site or call to connect with a case manager who can walk you through your options.
Faith-based transitional housing in the DFW area for young adults aging out of foster care. Provides a structured, supportive community environment.
Phone number needs verification — reach out through their website contact form.
Check their website for current availability and application process.
Dallas-based nonprofit providing shelter, transitional living, and rapid rehousing for homeless youth ages 15–24. Call their 24-hour crisis line any time.
Call 214-941-8578 if you need shelter tonight. Their website is currently unavailable — the phone line is the way to reach them.
Call their crisis line for immediate shelter needs. For transitional housing, call during business hours.
Provides residential care and transitional living for youth and young adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or homelessness in the DFW area.
Jonathan's Place has a strong track record with former foster youth specifically.
Call or visit their site to learn about current openings in their transitional living program.
Provides stable housing and wraparound support specifically for homeless high school seniors and college students who have aged out of foster care in Dallas.
If you are still in high school or just starting college, this program is designed exactly for your situation.
Apply through their website. They focus on students, so have your school enrollment info ready.
Transitional housing and life skills support for young adults aging out of foster care in North Texas. Focused on building independence.
Phone number needs verification — use their website to make first contact.
Reach out through their website to learn about current availability.
Collin and Dallas County's coordinated response to homelessness. Connects individuals to housing resources, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing.
Housing Forward coordinates the system — they can point you to the right program faster than calling each one individually.
Call or visit their site to be connected to the right housing resource for your situation.
City of Dallas resource center for young adults experiencing homelessness, ages 18–24. Offers housing navigation, case management, and basic needs.
This is a city-run center — it's stable, funded, and specifically for your age group.
Walk in or call during business hours. Located in Dallas.
Fort Worth-based resource hub for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Offers drop-in services, case management, and housing navigation.
If you are in the Fort Worth area, The Underground is one of the best first stops.
Drop in or call to connect with a case manager who can help you find housing.
Lewisville-based nonprofit providing transitional housing and life skills support for young adults who have aged out of foster care. They partner with a local bank to help residents open accounts and build money management skills from day one — so you leave with more than just a place to stay.
The banking partnership is a real advantage — most programs skip financial basics entirely. This one doesn't.
Visit their site to learn about the application process and current availability. Located in Lewisville, TX.
Plano-based nonprofit offering transitional housing and wraparound support for young adults experiencing homelessness, including those who have aged out of foster care. Focused on helping residents build stability and move toward independence.
CityHouse is in Collin County — a good option if you are in the Plano, McKinney, or Allen area.
Check their site for current openings and how to apply. Located in Plano, TX.
No one should go hungry while they're getting on their feet. DFW has food pantries, hot meals, and grocery programs — most require nothing more than showing up.
Provides free groceries, hot meals, and emergency food assistance in Arlington and the mid-cities area. No appointment needed for many services.
Mission Arlington has been feeding people in the mid-cities for decades. Walk-ins are welcome.
Show up during their food distribution hours. Check their site for the current schedule.
Both the North Texas Food Bank (Dallas area) and the Tarrant Area Food Bank (Fort Worth area) have pantry locators on their websites. Enter your zip code to find the closest free food near you.
Food banks update their pantry lists regularly. Check the locator the day you plan to go.
Use the locator links to find a pantry within a few miles of where you are right now.
Texas has real money set aside for former foster youth to go to college or get job training. Most people who qualify never apply because they don't know it exists. Read these carefully.
If you aged out of foster care in Texas, you may qualify for up to $5,000 per year in ETV funds to pay for college, vocational training, books, housing, transportation, and other education-related expenses. You must be under age 23 and enrolled in an approved program. You can use ETV for up to 5 years, and it can be combined with dual-credit courses. Call 1-877-268-4063 or visit texasetv.org to apply.
ETV is not a loan. You do not pay it back. Apply as soon as you enroll — funds are limited and awarded on a first-come basis.
Call 1-877-268-4063 or go to texasetv.org. Have your foster care case number and school enrollment info ready.
TRAC case managers can help you apply for the ETV and navigate the Texas tuition waiver, which allows former foster youth to attend any Texas public college or university tuition-free.
The tuition waiver and ETV can be used together. A TRAC case manager can help you stack them.
Contact TRAC to connect with a case manager who specializes in education benefits for foster youth.
Dallas College (formerly DCCCD) offers affordable vocational and career training programs across multiple campuses in Dallas County. Many programs can be completed in under a year.
Ask about the Texas Reskilling Support Fund and other financial aid specifically for career training programs.
Visit their site to browse programs by career area. Then call to ask about financial aid for former foster youth.
TCC offers career and technical education programs across Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Affordable, practical, and often eligible for ETV funding.
TCC has a dedicated financial aid office that knows the foster youth tuition waiver. Ask for them specifically.
Browse programs at tccd.edu, then contact financial aid to ask about the Texas tuition waiver and ETV.
Remember: If you aged out of foster care in Texas, DFPS Extended Foster Care (EFC) and the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program may cover tuition, books, housing, and more — up to $5,000 a year. Call 1-877-268-4063 or visit texasetv.org to apply.
DART routes connect most DFW colleges. If you don't have a car, check the DART trip planner at dart.org before you commit to a campus — transit access matters.
Getting your first real job is harder when you don't have a support network behind you. These resources help with IDs, job placement, and building a work history.
A practical approach for getting stable: land one steady job for income, and one flexible job (gig, part-time) for extra cash while you build skills. Workforce Solutions can help you find both.
Don't wait for the perfect job. A steady paycheck and a flexible side gig gives you breathing room while you figure out your next move.
Start with Workforce Solutions to find job openings, then look at gig platforms (DoorDash, Instacart, TaskRabbit) for flexible income.
Free job placement, resume help, interview coaching, and career training for Dallas County residents. Walk-in services available at multiple locations.
Workforce Solutions is free and they are good at it. Don't try to job hunt alone when this resource exists.
Walk into any Workforce Solutions location with your ID. They will help you build a resume and find openings that day.
Free employment services for Fort Worth and Tarrant County residents. Job listings, resume help, skills training, and career counseling.
If you are in the Fort Worth area, this is your go-to for job placement support.
Call or walk in. Bring your ID and any work history you have — even informal work counts.
Dallas-based nonprofit offering job readiness training, employment placement, and support services for people experiencing poverty or homelessness.
The Stewpot works with people who have gaps in their work history or other barriers to employment. They will not judge your situation.
Call or visit their Dallas location to connect with their employment services team.
TRAC case managers can help you get a birth certificate, state ID, or Social Security card — the documents you need before you can get a job, open a bank account, or access most services.
Getting your ID is the unlock for almost everything else. If you don't have one, this is your first call.
Contact TRAC and tell them you need help getting your ID documents. They know the process.
Having one person in your corner who has been where you are makes a measurable difference. These organizations connect you with mentors, peers, and communities that understand your experience.
TRAC provides ongoing case management for current and former foster youth in North Texas. A case manager is not just a resource referral — they are a consistent person who knows your situation.
A TRAC case manager can be the consistent adult presence that most foster youth never had. Don't underestimate this.
Contact TRAC to be matched with a case manager in your area.
National network of current and former foster youth. Offers peer mentorship, leadership programs, and a community of people who understand what you've been through.
FosterClub is run by people who aged out of foster care. The peer connection is real.
Create a free account at fosterclub.com to connect with the network and find local events.
Connects young adults with trained volunteer mentors in the DFW area. Matches are based on your goals and interests.
A good mentor is someone who shows up consistently. MENTOR North Texas vets their volunteers.
Apply for a mentor match at their website. Be specific about what kind of support you are looking for.
Many DFW churches run mentorship and support programs for young adults, regardless of faith background. Ask at any church you feel comfortable with — many have programs specifically for people in transition.
You don't have to be religious to benefit from a church community. Many offer practical support with no strings attached.
Walk into a church near you and ask if they have any programs for young adults in transition. Most will say yes.
A phone, internet connection, and a working computer are not luxuries — they are how you apply for jobs, access benefits, and stay connected. Every resource here is free or very low cost, and most are available to anyone who qualifies based on income or program participation.
The federal Lifeline program provides a free or deeply discounted phone and monthly data plan to people who qualify based on income or program participation. If you receive Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or other federal assistance, you likely qualify. Visit lifelinesupport.org to check eligibility and apply.
Medicaid enrollment qualifies you for Lifeline. If you have Medicaid, apply for Lifeline today — it takes about 10 minutes online.
Go to lifelinesupport.org, check your eligibility, and apply. You will need your Medicaid ID or proof of another qualifying program.
TruConnect is a federally approved Lifeline carrier that provides a free smartphone and monthly data plan to anyone on Medicaid or SNAP — at no cost to you. It runs on the same federal program as Lifeline, so if you qualify for Medicaid or SNAP, you qualify for this phone. Setup can take up to two weeks, but the phone and service are completely free every month after that. If you are 18 and just aged out, this is one of the first calls to make.
Free is free. Two weeks to set up is worth it for a phone and data plan you never have to pay for. Apply the day you turn 18.
Go to truconnect.com and apply online. Have your Medicaid or SNAP information ready. Expect the phone to arrive within two weeks — apply early so you are not waiting when you need it.
PCs for People provides refurbished desktop and laptop computers to income-qualifying individuals at little or no cost. If your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or you participate in a qualifying assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP, you likely qualify. They ship to Texas and have served thousands of DFW residents.
A working laptop changes everything — job applications, online classes, benefits portals. This is one of the fastest ways to get one for free.
Visit pcsforpeople.org, verify your eligibility, and order online. You will need proof of a qualifying program (Medicaid card, SNAP letter, etc.).
Human-I-T provides free refurbished computers, tablets, and low-cost internet service to people who qualify based on income. They serve Texas residents and focus specifically on people who have been left out of the digital economy — including young adults aging out of foster care. Internet plans start at $0 for those who qualify.
Human-I-T bundles the device and the internet connection together — you do not have to figure out two separate programs.
Go to human-i-t.org and complete the intake form. Have your ID and proof of income or qualifying program ready.
The Dallas Public Library offers free digital literacy classes at branches across the city — covering basics like email, job applications, Microsoft Office, and internet safety. No library card required to attend classes. They also offer free Wi-Fi at every branch and short-term laptop loans for use inside the library.
If you need a quiet place with Wi-Fi and a computer right now, any Dallas Public Library branch is open to you today — no sign-up required.
Find your nearest branch at dallaslibrary2.org. Classes are free and walk-ins are usually welcome — call ahead to confirm the schedule.
Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas offers free occupational skills training, including IT certifications like CompTIA A+, Google IT Support, and Microsoft Office Specialist. Training is funded through federal workforce programs — there is no cost to you if you qualify. They also provide access to computers and internet at their career centers.
A free IT certification from Workforce Solutions can open doors to entry-level tech jobs paying $18–$25/hour. It is one of the highest-return free programs available in DFW.
Visit wfsdallas.com or walk into any Workforce Solutions career center. Tell them you are interested in occupational skills training — they will walk you through the options.
Getting your first place furnished on no budget is possible in DFW. These organizations give furniture away — no cost, no catch.
Provides free furniture to individuals and families in need across North Texas. Requires a referral from a partner agency — ask your case manager or call 211 to get connected.
You need a referral to access the Furniture Bank. Ask your TRAC case manager or call 211 — they can get you one.
Get a referral first (through 211 or a case manager), then contact the Furniture Bank to schedule a pickup.
Provides free beds and bedding to children and adults in need across North Texas. A bed is a basic need — Bed Start makes sure you have one.
Bed Start focuses specifically on beds — if you have a place but are sleeping on the floor, this is your call.
Visit bedstart.org to apply for a free bed. The process is straightforward.
If you aged out of foster care in Texas, you may qualify for Medicaid until age 26 at no cost. That covers doctor visits, mental health care, prescriptions, and more. Start there.
Texas provides Medicaid coverage to former foster youth until age 26, regardless of income. If you aged out of foster care in Texas and are under 26, you likely qualify. Apply through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
This is free health insurance. If you are under 26 and aged out of Texas foster care, apply today. You should not be going without health coverage.
Call 1-800-252-8263 or visit the Texas HHS website to apply. Have your foster care history and ID ready.
Parkland provides healthcare to Dallas County residents regardless of ability to pay. Sliding-scale fees based on income. Includes primary care, mental health, dental, and specialty care.
Parkland is a safety net hospital — they will not turn you away. If you don't have insurance yet, this is where to go.
Call to schedule or walk into a Parkland Community Health Center. Bring your ID and any income documentation you have.
Fort Worth's public hospital system provides care to Tarrant County residents regardless of ability to pay. Primary care, mental health, and emergency services.
JPS is Tarrant County's safety net — same as Parkland for Dallas. If you are in Fort Worth without insurance, this is your resource.
Call or visit a JPS Community Health Center. They will work with you on cost.
Free and low-cost clothing is available across DFW — including professional clothes for job interviews. You should not have to spend money you don't have to look the part.
Provides free professional clothing and career development support to women entering or re-entering the workforce in the Dallas area.
If you have a job interview and nothing to wear, this is your call. They will outfit you for free.
Call to schedule an appointment. They will help you put together a professional outfit for your interview.
Many Workforce Solutions locations in DFW have a career closet with free professional clothing for job seekers. Ask when you visit.
When you go to Workforce Solutions for job help, ask about the career closet. It is often in the same building.
Ask any Workforce Solutions staff member about free professional clothing when you visit.
DFW has multiple Salvation Army thrift stores with very low-cost clothing. Not free, but often less than $5 per item. Good for building a basic wardrobe on a tight budget.
Thrift stores are not charity — they are smart shopping. A full wardrobe for under $50 is realistic here.
Use the store locator to find the nearest location. Go on weekday mornings for the best selection.
Getting around DFW without a car is possible but requires planning. DART covers Dallas and 13 surrounding cities. The T covers Fort Worth. Both offer reduced fares for qualifying riders.
Bus and rail service covering Dallas and 13 member cities. A 31-day pass is around $96, or $48 with a reduced fare card. If you receive Medicaid or other qualifying assistance, you may qualify for a reduced fare.
Apply for a DART reduced fare card if you receive Medicaid or other assistance. It cuts your monthly transit cost in half.
Visit dart.org to plan your route and apply for a reduced fare card. Bring proof of qualifying assistance.
Bus and rail service for Fort Worth and surrounding Tarrant County cities. Reduced fares available for qualifying riders.
The T connects Fort Worth to Dallas via the Trinity Railway Express. If you are job hunting across both cities, this is your link.
Visit their site to plan routes and check reduced fare eligibility.
Call 211 to ask about local transportation assistance programs, including gas cards, bus passes, and ride programs for medical appointments and job interviews.
211 knows about transportation assistance programs that are not widely advertised. Always worth a call.
Call 211 and specifically ask about transportation assistance. Tell them what you need it for — job interviews, medical, etc.
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