The Housing Learning Community is a six-month program designed to support multidisciplinary teams across Texas working to improve housing access for people who are involved in the justice system and living with mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The learning community will bring together local leaders, service providers and system partners to explore housing challenges and solutions. The program will use the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) to identify key points where people can be diverted from the justice system into treatment and support services.
Program Overview
The program will provide in-person and virtual learning opportunities from December 2025 to May 2026. Participants will attend five virtual learning sessions, supported by monthly consultations with subject matter experts and the learning community will conclude with an in-person close out meeting.
Each session will feature a live 90-minute presentation led by a subject matter expert, followed by a question-and-answer period. There will be optional one-on-one and group consultations following each presentation.
Topics will address housing needs at each intercept of the SIM, spanning from community services, law enforcement, reentry and community corrections.
Who Should Apply
We invite multidisciplinary teams from across Texas, including, but not limited to:
Jail administrators
Behavioral health and corrections professionals
Peer support specialists
Housing coordinators
Community-based service providers
Program Benefits
Participants will:
Strengthen knowledge of housing interventions across justice intercepts.
Build capacity for local implementation.
Expand cross-sector collaboration and networking.
Contribute to a statewide Housing Resource Guide.
How to Apply
Applications are due Oct. 22, 2025. Teams must submit a brief proposal outlining:
Key housing barriers in their community.
Their motivation for participating.
Anticipated partners and commitments.
The Texas Institute for Excellence of Mental Health will notify accepted teams in November 2025.