Texoma Family Shelter, Inc.

Formerly known as Grayson County Shelter, Texoma Family Shelter (TFS) is the only 24-hour living facility in the Texoma region providing multiple survival services to families and individuals experiencing homelessness, with the explicit goal of self-reliance. Our goal is to provide the best service possible to assist those at risk in our community, and to keep families intact in order to alleviate the negative impact of homelessness on both children and parents.

HISTORY
In 1985, the Grayson County Ministerial Alliance recognized the need in the community for a homeless shelter and, following extensive planning by various community leaders, both civic and church as well as other stake holders, a Board of Directors was formed and the Grayson County Shelter (GCS) was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Dr. Brandt donated a building located at 331 W. Morton Street, Denison, in memory of his wife, Helen Brandt, and GCS opened its doors in 1987. In 2020, the Board of Directors approved a change in the organization's name to more accurately reflect the region served by the Shelter. Under the new name Texoma Family Shelter, the board, staff and volunteers continue the original mission of the organization.

GENERAL INFORMATION SUMMARY
There is a continuing need for homeless services, especially in Texas as it is one of ten states comprising approximately half of the U.S. homeless population. The shortage of low-cost housing and public resources for this population leads to increased shelter stays. Due to the limited time individuals may stay in other specialized shelters, there has been an expanded need for TFS to provide shelter and longer stays to those individuals.

TFS operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is unique as it is the only homeless shelter in the Texoma area that provides both adult individuals and families an extended stay program-based environment. Services are provided at no cost to our residents. Additionally, TFS provides non-residential services to clients who are income eligible by HUD standards in the form of food boxes, clothing vouchers, gas cards (when funds are available), case management, and referrals.

TFS staff assist residents in completing paperwork associated with permanent housing, obtaining Medicaid for their children, applying for food stamps, WIC, etc., as they prepare for independent living, striving to meet the needs of the individual through personalized case management.

Our Needs

Many local families and individuals have been devastated by the economic impact of the pandemic, and now face a new crisis with the local real estate boom and inflation and the rising cost of fuel, groceries, rent, etc. We are receiving more requests for entire families to find shelter than we have seen in years. We believe that our neighbors deserve the opportunity to regain self-reliance and self-esteem and are hoping you will make a donation to help us keep serving them.