For applicants/family members:
What are the criteria to be accepted in to the program?
Applicants must be a Christ-follower seeking personal truth & growth who is currently or formerly incarcerated, justice-involved, or homeless. To be accepted, you must be employable and sober. We do not accept individuals with sex offenses or arson offenses. All applications are reviewed, and we do not have emergency placements.
How long does it take to hear the decision of an application?
It depends on when you apply. Our application review team reviews the applications twice a month. After your application is reviewed, expect to receive a decision the following week. If you do not receive your decision within a month of requesting an application, contact us and we can check on the status for you.
Can a psychiatric patient be a part of the Texas Reach Out Ministries (TROM) program?
We cannot accept applicants who require psychiatric care. We are not a medical facility and do not have the proper training or resources to provide for these patients.
What is the cost to the participant?
For the first 6 months, participants pay $500 a month. During the first month, we will assist participants in getting connected with food and health benefits, as well as connecting them to employers.
At the 7th month, participants pay $600 a month, and at the 13th month, participants pay $700 per month.
What if an applicant is on Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Even if you receive SSI, you will be expected to work part-time.
How long is the TROM program?
Texas Reach Out is a goal-based program designed to have our participants prepared to transition to their own housing by the end of 18 months. During orientation, the Program Services Director will outline the specific milestones and will be there to help our participants every step of the way!
Can a couple in a relationship or married do the program together?
The homes of TROM are set up to serve all-male or all-female residents. The program is designed to encourage personal growth and transformation, which has a higher rate of success when the participant is not spending time focusing on someone else. If you have any questions about this, feel free to contact us.
Can a family member fill out the required application for an applicant?
Applications must be completed by the person applying to the program. It is important for us to see the applicant invested in their own positive transition and to hear their personal testimony with Christ in their own words.
Will Texas Reach Out save someone's spot if there is a delay in their release?
Once accepted to Texas Reach Out, the acceptance is good for 3 years. After 3 years, a new application will have to be submitted. Because many of our accepted individuals will not have a planned release date immediately, we cannot “save” a bed space. Once an individual is within 2 weeks of their release date, we will verify that bed space is available, and then reserve that bed.
What is the visitation policy for members of the program?
This will be outlined during orientation. We ask the participant to contact their family and inform them of the policy.
Are participants allowed to have cell phones/tablets/computers?
We encourage all of our participants to have a cell phone. Cell phones are an important tool for communication and navigating the bus system. Participants may also have tablets and computers. All of our homes have Wi-Fi and a home phone. Access is included as part of the program.
Are participants allowed to work while in the program?
YES!! Participants are required to have employment in their first 30 days in the program. We have several employers that work with our participants, and we get our participants connected with job resources.
For volunteers:
What is the time commitment?
This is up to the individual. For mentors and facilitators we ask for a greater time commitment, usually at least once a week. Our men and women choose to stay short-term (minimum three months) or long-term (up to 18 months), so we will match you with a participant who fits your availability. Our other volunteer opportunities are more flexible. For example, you can lead a bible study once a month or volunteer your services in the houses/office on your own schedule. You can check out our volunteer opportunities here.