[LAT 30°16'02"N · LON 97°44'35"W]

[INDEX REF: ATLAS-TX-2026-V0]

IN DEVELOPMENT · CENTRAL TEXAS PILOT

Help exists.
Access is another question.

Maps With Teeth maps the barriers between people and the help they’re supposed to be able to reach.

ELIGIBILITY RULES · DOCUMENTATION · COUNTY LINES · WAITLISTS · REFERRAL REQUIREMENTS · TRANSPORTATION · SHELTER PREREQUISITES · PROGRAMS THAT EXIST ON PAPER BUT CANNOT ACTUALLY BE ACCESSED.

Not another resource directory.

A map of what gets in the way—and the routes that may still be open.

EXPLORE THE RESOURCES SEE HOW THE PILOT WORKS

For advocates, researchers, public agencies, labor, and community partners: Help us pressure-test the model. Give Feedback →

BARRIER FLOW ANALYSISFIG. 01 · ACCESS FUNNEL

“The system is supposed to help. But access has conditions.”

RESOURCE FOUND

ELIGIBLE?

Income limits

DOCUMENTS?

Hard to get

RIGHT COUNTY?

Boundaries

REFERRAL?

Gatekeeper req.

WAITLIST?

Weeks or months

DEAD END (PROGRAM BLOCKED)

OTHER WAY THROUGH →LATERAL BYPASS

“There are other routes. We help you find them.”

Maps With Teeth is an independent public-interest initiative in development. It is not currently a 501(c)(3), government agency, emergency service, or legal-services provider.

TRANSPARENCY & METHODOLOGY

Distinguishing What Is Built, Testing, and Proposed

[METRIC REF: TRANSPARENCY-STD-V0]

High-stakes systems require complete transparency. We explicitly distinguish between what is already built in this prototype, what is currently being validated in the Central Texas pilot, and what is proposed for future phases.

[BUILT]

Active in This Prototype

Functional tools, taxonomy structures, and statutory frameworks fully implemented and browsable on this site today.

Scope of Deliverables:

•Barrier Taxonomy: 30+ structured obstacle categories mapped across legal, financial, tech, and housing domains.
•Texas Statutory Research: Independently audited Texas escape codes (CVC $5k relocation, ACP CCP Ch. 58, Lease break § 92.016, PUCT electric deposit waiver).
•Layer 2 Resource Library: Nationwide & industry-specific benevolence funds (F&B, music, arts, telecom line separation, pet safe boarding).
•Resource Data Model: Structured friction flags (no police report, no shelter stay) and field-level primary citations.
•Interactive Combiner: Working 'Resource Stack' solving multi-barrier compound crises.

[TESTING / PILOT]

Central Texas Field Validation

Active pilot methodologies being pressure-tested with regional stakeholders in Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop counties.

Scope of Deliverables:

•Agency Verification Workflow: Direct outreach to confirm active funding cycles and eliminate ghost listings.
•Verified Handoff Testing: Documenting what happens when a participant attempts a referral in practice.
•Central Texas Field Cohort: Working with local advocates, ministerial funds, and legal aid across the 4-county pilot area.
•Failure-Point Reporting: Cataloging dead-end taxonomy (#NO_FUNDS, #SHELTER_STAY_REQUIRED, #CIVIL_MATTER_REFUSAL).

[PROPOSED / ROADMAP]

Future Institutional Roadmap

Strategic capabilities planned for post-pilot expansion following formal governance and partner deployment.

Scope of Deliverables:

•Survivor-Controlled Continuity: Encrypted, client-side resource porting that never exposes private data.
•Cross-County & Multi-State Expansion: Replicating Texas gold-standard deep statutory dives in additional states.
•Survivor Gap Fund: Administered flexible fund to cover non-traditional micro-bottlenecks ($40 gas, lock rekeying, pet deposits).
•Frontline Caseworker Integrations: Secure tools to assist labor representatives and advocates with rapid resource matching.

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

Three Distinct Resource Layers

[LAYER 1: TX · LAYER 2: NATIONAL · LAYER 3: INTAKE]

LAYER 01STATE & COUNTY

Texas Deep Dive

Audited statutory escape mechanisms (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.016 lease break, PUCT § 25.478 utility deposit waiver, CVC up to $5,000 relocation) + Travis, Williamson, Harris & Central Texas county pilot funds.

Explore Texas Directory

LAYER 02LOCATION-INDEPENDENT

Other Ways Through

Nationwide searchable library of programs based on occupation (Southern Smoke, Giving Kitchen, MusiCares, CERF+), companion animal safe havens, and federal Safe Connections Act phone separation.

Browse National & Industry Library

LAYER 03INTAKE DOCKET

Ask Us to Look

Tell us your specific barrier, recent jobs, companion animals, and what failed. Generates immediate potential pathways and a structured research docket without requiring an abuse narrative.

Start Resource Investigation

COMBINABLE BARRIER SOLVER

Your Resource Stack: Ways Through

Single agencies rarely solve an entire crisis. Select your simultaneous barriers to assemble an integrated, multi-vector pathway.

24 POTENTIAL PATHWAYS

1. Location & Pilot Region

State Jurisdiction:

Texas County Jurisdiction:

Work in Past 12 Months:

Pet / Animal In Household

2. Select Active Obstacles & Friction Points

4 Selected

[TIP] Combining industry background + pet needs + statutory rights produces alternate pathways outside standard shelter lines.

Surfaced Multi-Vector Pathway (6)

Explore All 30 Cataloged Pathways →

Texas StatewideSTATUTORY RIGHT

[OFFICIAL SOURCE CHECKED · 2026-08-29]

Texas Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Relocation Assistance

Office of the Texas Attorney General (OAG)

Statute: Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Chapter 56B

Why It Surfaced (Field Note):

Potential match: Texas statewide statutory right or state-administered program applicable to your reported barriers.

#TEXAS#TEXAS_STATEWIDE

1. What It Can Actually Help With:

Up to $5,000 total for documented qualifying relocation deposits, moving expenses, and rent for qualifying crimes occurring after August 31, 2023. Potentially covered relocation categories under Texas OAG rules include emergency lodging, monthly rent, professional movers, rental deposits, pet deposits, storage units, relocation transportation, utility deposits/connections, transfer fees, and rental truck/van costs.

• Funding Limit: Up to $5,000 for post-Aug 31, 2023 offenses ($2,000 for pre-Sept 1, 2023 crimes). Must submit itemized receipts.

2. Who Can Use It & Access Conditions:

Victims of violent crime or domestic violence in Texas who reported the incident to law enforcement (or qualifying exceptions) and incurred financial expenses directly resulting from the crime.

Income Restriction:None (eligibility is based on victimization, not poverty threshold)

Referral Required:None required (can self-apply online, but shelter/hospital advocate assistance recommended)

Shelter Connection:Not Required

Police Report:MANDATORY

3. What Can Block Access (The Catch):

•Police report or law enforcement incident number required
•Payer of last resort (collateral sources like insurance must be used first)
•Reimbursement or vendor-paid only (not an instant upfront cash payment)

4. Immediate Next Step:

Apply online through the Texas OAG Crime Victims' Portal (texasattorneygeneral.gov) or meet with a hospital/shelter victim witness counselor.

Source URL

Texas StatewideSTATUTORY RIGHT

[OFFICIAL SOURCE CHECKED · 2026-08-29]

Early Lease Termination Following Family Violence

State of Texas / Texas Judicial System

Statute: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.016

Why It Surfaced (Field Note):

Potential match: Texas statewide statutory right or state-administered program applicable to your reported barriers.

#TEXAS#TEXAS_STATEWIDE

1. What It Can Actually Help With:

Allows a tenant who is a survivor of family violence to legally terminate their residential lease agreement early without liability for future delinquent rent, early-termination penalty fees, or forfeiture of security deposit solely due to breaking the lease.

• Funding Limit: Statutory legal remedy (relieves debt obligations; not a direct cash payout)

2. Who Can Use It & Access Conditions:

Any residential tenant in Texas who is a victim of family violence and provides statutory written notice and documentation.

Income Restriction:None

Referral Required:None (can provide advocate/medical letter or court order directly to landlord)

Shelter Connection:Not Required

Police Report:Not Required

3. What Can Block Access (The Catch):

•Past unpaid rent accrued before the effective termination date remains owed
•Must provide one of the 3 statutory documentation forms; verbal notice or informal letters are legally insufficient
•Cotenant exception (§ 92.016(c-1)): If violence was committed by a cotenant/occupant, statutory 30-day notice is waived once documentation conditions are met

4. Immediate Next Step:

Obtain qualifying advocate/medical letter or protective order, deliver formal written notice of lease termination to landlord, and vacate the dwelling.

Source URL

Texas Deregulated Electric MarketsSTATUTORY RIGHT

[OFFICIAL SOURCE CHECKED · 2026-08-29]

Texas Electric Utility Deposit Waiver Network

Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) / Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV)

Statute: 16 TAC § 25.478(a)(3)(D)

Why It Surfaced (Field Note):

Potential match: Texas statewide statutory right or state-administered program applicable to your reported barriers.

#TEXAS#TEXAS_STATEWIDE

1. What It Can Actually Help With:

Legally prohibits Retail Electric Providers (REPs) in deregulated Texas markets from requiring an initial or reconnection security deposit (saving $150 to $400 upfront) when establishing electric service in survivor's name.

• Funding Limit: 100% deposit waiver for deregulated electric accounts

2. Who Can Use It & Access Conditions:

Any victim of family violence establishing electric service with a Retail Electric Provider (REP) in Texas.

Income Restriction:None

Referral Required:Advocate certification letter required (available from any Texas family violence center)

Shelter Connection:Not Required

Police Report:Not Required

3. What Can Block Access (The Catch):

•Applies strictly to Retail Electric Providers in ERCOT deregulated areas (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP territories)
•Municipal utilities (Austin Energy, CPS Energy) and co-ops operate under municipal board rules (though many voluntarily offer waivers)
•Requires signed certification letter from a recognized family violence shelter or legal aid advocate

4. Immediate Next Step:

Contact any local Texas domestic violence center or legal aid advocate to obtain the signed TCFV certification letter, then email or fax it to your chosen electric provider.

Source URL

Texas StatewideSTATUTORY RIGHT

[OFFICIAL SOURCE CHECKED · 2026-08-29]

Residential Rekeying & Security Device Protections

State of Texas / Justice of the Peace Courts

Statute: Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.153–92.165

Why It Surfaced (Field Note):

Potential match: Texas statewide statutory right or state-administered program applicable to your reported barriers.

#TEXAS#TEXAS_STATEWIDE

1. What It Can Actually Help With:

Sets statutory requirements for landlord installation of door locks, keyless deadbolts, and door viewers on all rental dwellings, and governs tenant rekeying rights during tenancies.

• Funding Limit: Statutory rights (tenant generally pays rekey fee during ongoing lease unless landlord breached duties)

2. Who Can Use It & Access Conditions:

All residential tenants in Texas.

Income Restriction:None

Referral Required:None (self-execute via written notice to landlord)

Shelter Connection:Not Required

Police Report:Not Required

3. What Can Block Access (The Catch):

•Subchapter D governs general security devices, not an automatic free lock change for domestic disputes
•Tenant is generally responsible for reasonable rekey fees during ongoing lease unless landlord breached statutory duties or court protective order directs otherwise
•Notice must be delivered in writing

4. Immediate Next Step:

Send formal written notice to landlord requesting rekeying. If emergency protective order with kick-out is in place, attach copy demanding exclusion of abuser.

Source URL

Texas StatewideSTATUTORY RIGHT

[OFFICIAL SOURCE CHECKED · 2026-08-29]

Texas Unemployment Benefits Family Violence Exception

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

Statute: Tex. Lab. Code § 207.045(d)

Why It Surfaced (Field Note):

Potential match: Texas statewide statutory right or state-administered program applicable to your reported barriers.

#TEXAS#TEXAS_STATEWIDE

1. What It Can Actually Help With:

Provides an exception to unemployment disqualification when an employee leaves their job voluntarily due to medically or practically necessary separation caused by domestic violence or relocation for safety.

• Funding Limit: Standard TWC weekly benefit amount for up to 26 weeks

2. Who Can Use It & Access Conditions:

Texas workers who separated from employment because of documented domestic violence and meet standard base-period wage credit thresholds.

Income Restriction:Must meet standard TWC base-period wage qualifications

Referral Required:None (claimant self-applies online with TWC)

Shelter Connection:Not Required

Police Report:Not Required

3. What Can Block Access (The Catch):

•Must provide documentation connecting the job separation to domestic violence safety threats
•Standard base-period wage earnings criteria still apply
•Must remain able and available for suitable safe work or work search

4. Immediate Next Step:

File initial claim on ui.texasworkforce.org, select family safety exception under § 207.045(d), and upload advocate/medical letter.

Source URL

Williamson & Burnet Counties, TexasDISCRETIONARY AID

[PUBLIC SOURCE CHECKED · 2026-08-20]

Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties (CEAP & CSBG)

Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties (OWBC) · Williamson County

Why It Surfaced (Field Note):

Potential match: Local program serving Williamson County residents for direct emergency support and stabilization.

#TEXAS#WILLIAMSON_COUNTY

1. What It Can Actually Help With:

Administers the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) paying up to 6–8 months of electric and natural gas bills, plus CSBG flexible emergency relief for qualifying low-income households in Williamson and Burnet counties.

• Funding Limit: Up to annual CEAP maximums based on household poverty tier

2. Who Can Use It & Access Conditions:

Household income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines in Williamson or Burnet counties.

Income Restriction:Household income at or below 150% FPL

Referral Required:None (self-apply via online portal or paper application)

Shelter Connection:Not Required

Police Report:Not Required

3. What Can Block Access (The Catch):

•County residency strictly required (Williamson or Burnet)
•Strict 150% FPL income verification required
•Processing timeline can take 2–4 weeks

4. Immediate Next Step:

Download and submit the CEAP Utility Assistance application at owbc-tx.org/energy-assistance or call 512-763-1400.

Source URL

OBSTACLE MATRIX

What are you trying to solve?

View All Barrier Filters & Full Directory →

[MONEY]

[STAKEHOLDER REVIEW COHORT]

Help Pressure-Test the Model

Maps With Teeth is currently seeking feedback from people who understand public systems, labor, survivor services, community organizations, technology, legal systems, and frontline resource delivery.

We especially want to know:

•Where would this approach fail in real frontline practice?
•What critical systems, funds, or escape routes are we missing?
•What would make this genuinely useful to caseworkers and organizers?
•Who else should be involved in shaping this model early?

Help exists. Access is another question.

Distinguishing What Is Built, Testing, and Proposed

Active in This Prototype

Central Texas Field Validation

Future Institutional Roadmap

Three Distinct Resource Layers

Texas Deep Dive

Other Ways Through

Ask Us to Look

Your Resource Stack: Ways Through

1. Location & Pilot Region

2. Select Active Obstacles & Friction Points

Surfaced Multi-Vector Pathway (6)

Texas Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Relocation Assistance

Early Lease Termination Following Family Violence

Texas Electric Utility Deposit Waiver Network

Residential Rekeying & Security Device Protections

Texas Unemployment Benefits Family Violence Exception

Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties (CEAP & CSBG)

What are you trying to solve?

I need money right now

I cannot pay a utility deposit or shutoff

He destroyed my credit / coerced debt

I need somewhere safe to stay

I need to get off or break a lease

I need help with rent or a security deposit

I need furniture / household goods after leaving

Someone controls or tracks my phone

I think my car or device is being tracked

My address cannot be public

I need gas or transportation right now

He took the car / I need vehicle repair

I need transportation to another city/state

I have nowhere for my pet / dog / cat

I need childcare or help with school for my children

I need help involving children / custody

I need legal help / protective order

Police keep telling me it is a civil matter

I work in food/hospitality/arts and have no cash

I need tax, identity, or document protection

I need medical or reconstructive dental care

Help Pressure-Test the Model

Help exists.
Access is another question.