Temenos CDC operates four programs, three of which rely on federal funding. Their work focuses on supporting people experiencing chronic homelessness, addiction, and housing instability among youth. Their trauma-informed approach provides case management, mental health care, physical health services, and a pathway to stability.

Madelyn Wages, Director of Operations, shared Gloria Eaglin’s story – a Temenos MVP. After a back injury led to early retirement and the loss of her savings, she found herself homeless. Through Temenos, she stabilized and then returned, this time as an employee. She now provides support to others walking similar paths and is building a landscaping business with the goal of hiring current Temenos residents. 

For Temenos, federal funding supports program services, essential utilities and maintenance, and program supplies. In 2024, federal funding supported housing for a total of 138 households.

Houston is home to the largest veteran population in the nation, and US Vets Houston is the largest veteran service provider in the country. About 65% of their programs are funded by the VA, with their Northside campus and Griggs Road service center offering permanent supportive housing, case management, and workforce development. The Griggs Road service center, which serves individuals experiencing literal homelessness, is 100% federally funded.

Executive Director, David Traxler, shared the story of Dr. Paige, a veteran suffering from PTSD who got her doctorate degree but later lost her home after being laid off. With support from US VETS and federal Rapid Rehousing funds, she stabilized and later became a Biomedical and Pharmacy Science professor at Texas Southern University.

Through federal funds, US Vets was able to serve over 350 veterans through transitional housing, permanent housing or rapid re-housing in 2024. Their message was clear: federal investment doesn’t just provide services it enables them to transform lives.

The Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) brought an important perspective to the conversation, domestic violence is not just a personal issue, it’s a public health issue and housing is a key component of survivors’ safety.

HAWC operates a wide range of services, from a 24/7 hotline and legal advocacy to housing stability and economic empowerment. More than 50% of their funding is from government sources, and 80% of that funding is federal.

As CEO Sonia Corrales shared, one client that had been referred to by the Houston Police Department found a new beginning through transitional housing. That success was made possible by wraparound services that offer comprehensive, survivor-centered support.

For HAWC, federal funding supports their transitional and rapid re-housing programs, enabling them to help over 100 families in those programs achieve safety and stability.

The team at Spring Branch Community Health Center (SBCHC) emphasized the impact of housing on health outcomes. As a federally qualified health center, SBCHC has provided medical care for more than 20 years and permanent supportive housing for the last four.

Chief Program Officer, Mike Smith, explained how their model integrates medical care, behavioral health, and case management to serve individuals with complex needs. And thanks to federal funding, they can deliver the kind of wraparound support that stabilizes lives. In their words, “If you don’t have housing or proper healthcare, nothing else matters.”

Mike shared a client story of a young woman named Maria, who after receiving supportive housing services and had her basic needs met, she was able to focus on her health, return to school and reconnect with her family.

Renee Cavazos, VP of the Homeless Response System at CFTH, brought the evening full circle, reminding us why this work matters. As the HUD-designated coordinator, CFTH helps our homeless response system – The Way Home – secure and coordinate federal funds, oversees the data system (HMIS) and supports local providers.

This year, CFTH helped secure over $71.6 million in annual federal funding. That funding supports everything from housing referrals and youth initiatives to outreach teams and system-level planning – serving over 22,000 people annually.

As Renee put it, “Progress isn’t a spreadsheet. It’s the mother who finally has a place to tuck her kids in at night. It’s the young person aging out of foster care who gets a key instead of a crisis.”