From Ideas to Impact: Celebrating the 2026 Texas Conference on Ending Homelessness

THN’s 2026 Texas Conference on Ending Homelessness brought together advocates, service providers and community leaders from across the state to share practical solutions, learn from one another and build partnerships that strengthen local efforts to prevent and end homelessness.

Under the theme From Ideas to Impact: Building Solutions Together, attendees explored strategies they could bring back to their communities, from housing-focused approaches and rural homelessness solutions to healthcare partnerships, funding and sustainability.

Kristina Rivas, co-founder and executive director of Ground Floor Collective, a THN Housing Solutions Innovation Fund grantee, shared how the conference highlighted the collective commitment of people working to address homelessness across the state.

“It gives me a lot of hope to see the clients succeed, but it also gives me a lot of hope when I come to a conference like this and I see so many like-minded people, professionals working every day just like we do,” Rivas shared.

Keynote speaker Mejean Cline, who experienced homelessness before building a career in aerospace engineering, reminded attendees of the power of opportunity and community support: “Where we stand today doesn’t define where we’re capable of going.”

The conference also featured THN’s annual awards celebration, honoring individuals and organizations whose dedication, innovation and compassion are making a difference in the movement to end homelessness across Texas.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

• Outstanding Community Organization: Neighbors First! of Georgetown: Recognized for bringing together faith communities, nonprofits and local leaders to create collaborative solutions to homelessness. Through programs including Navigation Services, Safe Parking Ministries and Home Again, the organization has helped more than 100 individuals access resources and move toward housing stability.
• Outstanding Community Volunteer: Heather Dixon, Love and Light Ministries: Since 2010, Heather has led volunteer-powered outreach efforts providing meals, essential supplies, case management and connections to services for approximately 300–500 people each week. Her commitment to building trust and removing barriers has made her a valued partner in the Fort Worth community.
• Outstanding Service Provider: Tammy Guidry: Honored for expanding access to housing and supportive services across East Harris, Chambers and Liberty Counties. Through initiatives like the First Step Homeless Program at Sterling Municipal Library, Tammy has helped bring case management, healthcare connections and housing resources directly to people who might otherwise struggle to access them.
• Outstanding Outreach Worker: Melissa McGee, Brazosport ISD ASCEND Program: Recognized for her dedication to students experiencing homelessness. Through mentorship, family outreach and community partnerships, Melissa has supported more than 90 students across seven campuses and contributed to reducing dropout rates among McKinney-Vento students from 16.8% to 3.7%.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their expertise and helped turn ideas into action. Together, we’re building stronger connections and advancing solutions to homelessness across Texas.