Winter Storm Uri — 2021

When Winter Storm Uri struck Texas in February 2021, communities across the state faced prolonged power outages, freezing temperatures, dangerous road conditions, and widespread infrastructure failures. In rural Central Texas communities, many households suddenly faced unsafe housing conditions with limited local resources available during the storm.

Texas Housing Foundation worked alongside local first responders and community partners to help support vulnerable households during the emergency. THF coordinated emergency motel lodging for residents who could not safely remain in their homes and helped distribute heaters, blankets, and warm clothing ahead of severe weather conditions.

Even while dangerous road conditions prevented staff from safely reaching physical offices, THF continued operating remotely throughout the storm to help coordinate housing support and connect households with available community resources.

Winter Storm Uri reinforced an important lesson for Texas Housing Foundation and many rural communities across the state: housing resilience matters before disasters occur. Communities with limited housing availability and limited emergency housing capacity face even greater challenges during severe weather events and prolonged infrastructure disruptions.

The experience helped deepen THF’s long-term focus on housing advocacy, community resilience, and practical housing solutions designed to help communities prepare for future emergencies while supporting long-term housing stability.