Connecting Texans to Affordable Housing

Connecting Texans to Affordable Housing

As poeple across the U.S. struggle to find affordable housing, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is bolstering efforts to help Texans secure the housing they need to stay healthy and off the streets.

In Texas, there are 25 affordable and available rental homes per 100 extremely low-income renter households, defined as those with incomes at or below the federal poverty line. This population faces housing shortages in every state and major metropolitan area, including Dallas and Austin, according to data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

To help people with stable housing, BCBSTX recently awarded nonprofit Housing Connector with a grant for its equitable housing access and homeless prevention work. The investment is part of the health plan's Blue Impact^SM program, which supports nonprofit organizations addressing social and economic factors affecting health. The company awarded $2 million in Blue Impact grants in 2025 to 84 organizations across the state.

Housing Connector is a bridge between property managers with vacant housing and community organizations working with vulnerable populations searching for affordable living. The nonprofit adjusts screening criteria, provides financial support after move-in and stability services to help families avoid homelessness.

"Housing is vital to physical, mental and overall health," says Van Parker, managing director of Housing Connector in Dallas-Fort Worth. "Providing access to a home is foundational to someone's progression and provides opportunity for future growth."

Housing Connector launched in Dallas in 2023 and Austin last year. The nonprofit targets "hidden homeless" populations, says Parker, meaning those living paycheck-to-paycheck in temporary or shared housing and who may be one serious event away from homelessness. These individuals are often denied housing due to issues with their credit score, income, rental history or other factors.

Between July and December 2025, the nonprofit housed over 362 individuals across Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, partnering with more than 15 new service providers and 130 property owners.

About 88% of residents stay housed in the same unit for at least one year, and 75% stay housed through year two.

"Health doesn't begin in a doctor's office; it starts at home. Affordable and stable housing reduces stress and improves physical and mental health," says Patty Escoe, vice president of Texas Plan Operations. "At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, we know supporting organizations like Housing Connector leads to better health outcomes, and stronger communities."

Residents can receive up to three months of emergency rent support in case of unexpected financial hardships. This support helps property owners mitigate their risk and provides greater financial security and confidence when leasing to residents through Housing Connector.

Grace Smith, landlord engagement specialist at United Way of Denton County works with Housing Connector to help her clients find housing and says the nonprofit is now central to their work.

"A majority of people we work with are hardworking, and they might be living in their car and still get up to go to work every day," Smith says. "Housing Connector helps bridge the gap between landlords and clients who need housing. They've been invaluable and one of the reasons why we've been successful."