Houston was a bit confusing for me at first too. But then I realized that none of that had applied to me. They give anyone living in Texas a card for free. Its a 3 year card. Just like as if you lived in Houston. I did it all online, but of course, they technically count me as a resident, I just don't have to go in person thankfully. Would be a bit long drive all the way to Houston. Texas is just so friggin big.
So anyone that lives in Texas, need to have ID, and your local library is a bit thin, you can apply for a Houston PL card for free online. There is a form, they send you a card with a pin.