State of Texas Functional Needs Support Services Tool Kit

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 54 million Americans, about one-fifth of the U.S. population, have a disability. As such, resource gaps have historically existed in mass care planning for meeting access and functional needs in general population shelters, resulting in disparate treatment and the denial of full and equitable services. The intent of this planning guidance is to ensure that individuals with access and functional needs are not turned away from general population shelters and inappropriately placed in other environments (e.g., medical shelters, institutions, and nursing homes). Addressing these issues at the local level will maximize resources, ensure equitable treatment to all Texans, and ultimately benefit the entire community.