When you receive a notice of eviction, time is extremely important!
You typically have between 3 to 30 days to respond, depending on the type of notice and your state or county laws.
Do NOT wait—once you receive any eviction paperwork, the countdown starts immediately. If you take action early, you have a
much higher chance of stopping or delaying the eviction.
Why Acting Fast Matters
If you miss the response deadline, the landlord can go to court and get a default judgment, meaning the court will automatically rule
against you, even if you had a valid defense.
Once the judgment is issued, you can be removed from your home by law enforcement in as little as 24–72 hours, depending on
the area.
What to Do Immediately
Check the exact deadline written on your notice (often called “Pay or Quit,” “Cure or Quit,” or “Notice to Vacate”).
Apply for rental assistance or emergency aid right away—many programs will pause eviction once an application is submitted.
Contact a housing lawyer or nonprofit (like Legal Aid or an eviction prevention program).
Keep all records: payment receipts, messages to the landlord, notices, etc.
If you can’t pay in full, request a payment plan in writing—many judges look favorably on tenants who show effort.
Important Reminder
The earlier you act, the more options you have—including financial aid, court mediation, or legal protection. Even waiting just a few
days can make a big difference in whether your family stays housed.
If you do not currently have safe housing and are living in a shelter, vehicle, or other place not suited for residential occupation, please call the Homeless Crisis Help Line at 888-411-6802. A counselor will connect you with an agency that may be able to provide assistance.
For assistance with long-term housing, homeless shelters, healthcare, childcare, legal services, food and basic assistance and more, please see the additional resources we’ve compiled below.
● City of Dallas Resources
City of Dallas Community Resources Website
Family assistance, information & referral — 211
Domestic violence 24-hour hotline – 214.941.1991
Runaways 24-hour hotline – 888.580.4357
Social Security 24-hour hotline – 800.772.1213
Housing Forward (formerly MDHA) – 972.638.5600
● Housing
Section 8 Housing – 214.819.1871
Dallas Housing Authority – 214.951.8300
● Homeless Shelters
The Bridge – 214.670.1100
Austin Street Shelter – 214.428.4242
Dallas Life Foundation – 214.421.1380
Exodus Ministries – 214.827.3772
Family Gateway – Call 1-888-411-6802 (Option 3)
Jonathan’s Place (young women & youth) – 972-303-5303
Mosaic Family Services – 214.821.5393
Reconciliation Outreach – 214.545.6500
Salvation Army: Home Sweet Home – 214.424.7000
● Domestic Violence Shelters
The Family Place – 214.941.1991
Genesis Women’s Shelter – 214.946.HELP
Hope’s Door New Beginning Center (Garland) – 972.422.2911
● Health Care
Dallas Metrocare Services (MHMR) – 214.743.1200
Prism Health North Texas – 214.257.1082
Parkland Hospital Homeless Outreach – 214.590.8000
● Childcare
Child Care Group – 214.630.5949
HeadStart of Greater Dallas – 972.283.6400
Rainbow Days – 214.887.0726
Vogel – (214) 368-8686
● Legal Services
Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center www.dallaseac.org 469 436 2704
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, Dallas office – 214.748.1234
● Basic Needs
Food Stamps – 211
WIC – 800.942-3678
TANF – 211
Stewpot (prepared meals) – 214.746.2785
The North Texas Food Bank – 214.330.1396
● South Dallas and Southern Dallas Specific Services
South Dallas Employment Project (SDEP): Place-Based Services